Teaching Children To Read
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| Teaching Children To Read |
Teaching Reading: Part One
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Reading aloud is not just for children who are too young to read on their own. In our next article we will give specific tips on how to read aloud, as well as suggestions as to what you can read aloud to children from birth to age 12.
Talk to your child in normal, everyday language. Communicating with your child, from infancy onward, is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Children are avid learners at all ages, absorbing information through daily interactions and experiences with other children, adults, and the world. Your baby is listening to everything you say, and he's storing it away at an incredible rate. Instead of using "baby" words, teach him the correct names for people, places and things. Speak slowly and clearly, and keep it simple. By using "baby talk", children don't have a chance to broaden their vocabulary beyond the very basics, and they don't develop proper speech patterns.
The more interactive conversation and play a child is involved in, the more a child learns. Reading books, singing, playing word games, and simply talking to your child will increase his vocabulary while providing increased listening opportunities. Here are a few suggestions to help improve your child's communication skills:
- Talk to your toddler about what she did during the day or what she plans to do tomorrow. "I think it's going to rain this afternoon. What shall we do?" Or discuss the day's events at bedtime.
- Play make-believe games.
- Read your child's favorite books over and over and encourage her to join in with words she knows. Encourage "pretend" reading (let your child pretend she is reading the book to you).
- Play rhyming games with your child. You can help your child improve auditory (listening) skills by teaching how to rhyme. Knowing how to rhyme will help your child read word "families" such as let, met, pet, wet, and get. Notice that rhyming words have same sound endings but different beginning sounds. Some words don't look the same: ache, cake, steak but they rhyme.
To summarize, learning how to read begins in children's ears. Parents lay a foundation for success in reading by talking to a child, reading books to him, and playing auditory games such as rhyming. The more books you read, the bigger your child's vocabulary becomes. A bigger vocabulary allows him to recognize lots of words while he reads. If you've read books to him about cheetahs and warthogs, it's more likely he can read those words when he comes across them as he reads on his own.
If you'd like to find out more information about teaching children to read, we recommend checking out the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website.
About the Author: Tom & Shelley Cooper Tom is a Director in a large humanitarian aid organization and Shelley left a successful career as a financial analyst to work in education because of her love and concern for children. They have two children who were the inspiration for their web site: http://educational-toys-4u.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cooper
Today's Teaching Children To Read News
Why Do We Publish?
A major "character" in Mark Salzman's first autobiography is his father. Sometimes his father paints. But his father hates painting. He likes it when his painting is done. He likes having painted. But the act of painting itself is, in his opinion, a big pain in the backside. Nobody reading this approaches writing like that, do they? I know I don't. Of all my experiences as an author, whacking those words down onto the paper is the best of the best. Always has been, always will be. Even though I cut most of them. I like creating. I've quoted Hemingway before. Long periods of thinking, short periods of writing. These days, my thinking takes longer and my periods of writing are getting less frequent, but both still happen, and I still love creating something from nothing. If it weren't for me, you would never read the words you're reading right now. Nobody else would ever write them. And they contain my thoughts. Through time and space, better than telepathy, you hear what I'm saying. So, there's one reason to write, isn't it? The biggie, if you ask me. I write what I do because I can't NOT write it. I may be clarifying my thoughts in my own head. But, most certainly, I'm just so moved by those thoughts that I must put them on paper. They're in me and they have to get out, kinda like those critters in the ALIEN movies. Is this the only reason to write? Because I want to zap my thoughts into your heads? I don't know. But let me change the question. Is this a reason to publish? Why not write your books and stick them in a filing cabinet like Sean Connery did in the film FINDING FORRESTER? Write it, express it, file it away. Why publish it? (It's okay if you haven't seen this obscure little gem. I will explain all.) In fact, there are writers who do exactly that. Some fear rejection or criticism. We hear about them whenever we pop into a writing workshop. But I don't think there are very many of them. I have trouble picturing someone who can spend months (years?) doing something as essentially egotistical as writing a novel, but who is fundamentally lacking in any sort of self-confidence. Naw, they're thinking posterity but lack the stones to admit it. At times I've got an inferiority complex I wouldn't dream of whacking onto your shoulders, but it was absent when I wrote my books. During the act of writing itself, you think, "My words are better than your words." You do. You feel that you must record your thoughts because they're that much better than most. That's what writing is. So, I would say that by definition the author isn't ALWAYS plagued by self-doubt. In FINDING FORRESTER, the Sean Connery character won the Pulitzer with his first book, saw that every reviewer misunderstood him, and decided they could all get stuffed. This is a movie, a work of fiction, but I understand the attitude. I once wrote a true story, where the main character was Michael LaRocca, only to have a critic slam the main character as "unbelievable." Apparently I don't act like real people. I could never shove all my writing in a filing cabinet, unpub- lished, and tell the establishment to get stuffed. But yep, there are stupid people in the world, and some of them review books. So, we've identified two groups who won't be seeking publication. Hopelessly insecure and hopelessly arrogant. But, like Aristotle, I prefer moderation. You still may be wondering why I seek publi- cation. So do I. Let my exploration of this question continue. I've hit best-seller status for two different e-publishers with three different books. Minor thrills at the time, but there's no way I could call them enough of a reward for what I put into writing. You're an author. You know what I'm talking about. We all but kill ourselves to make our books. And let's be blunt here. Unless you're going to throw Rowling/King/Clancy/Grisham money at me -- and you're NOT -- money isn't sufficient reason to publish. Publishing isn't just a case of sending it to a publisher, signing a contract, and being done. Next up is editing, which is a blast. Not at the time, perhaps. Any editor worth a damn will beat you over the head with every bad word choice you ever made. And you made hundreds! But at the end of that gauntlet, you know you are da bomb. Seeing my cover art is almost always awesome. Yes, I did say "almost." One bad experience among eight. It happens. But if you've worked with a publisher, you know what I mean. You log onto the Internet one morning, not fully conscious, amazed that you poured that first cup of coffee without burning off your naughty bits. You pop open an email and see cover art that almost makes your head explode. You get this big rush, thinking, "Someone understands my writing!" What you don't realize, naive little author, is that some artists don't even read the books they do the art for. But still. The art rocks your world. Feel that. I always enjoy clicking those email attachments and seeing MY book covers. Then comes marketing. Biggest pain in the... Well, let's just say it makes me want to not publish sometimes. So why publish? I've entered the EPPIES three times, and been a finalist three times. The second time one of my books was an EPPIE finalist, I made some wisecrack in an author's egroup about how "finalist" is a synonym for "loser" and was raked over the coals. Oops! (Maybe I annoyed entrants who weren't finalists. I'd always wondered if they existed...) So let's say I'm not publishing for money or awards. They sing a siren song to new authors which this jaded old bastard quit hearing long ago. I got all that out of my system in the previous millenium. So why do I still publish? What are my rewards? Let me mention a few. A psychologist turned English teacher formed a women's reading group at the university where we once worked together in China. Her concept was women readers, women writers. But the first book the group ever discussed was my very own RISING FROM THE ASHES, which is about Mom. My only foray into "women's literature." I couldn't attend the reading group, since I'm a guy, but my wife was there. What I learned about my book is priceless, as is knowing what those young students discussed because of my writing. Issues of such depth that I'd be proud to inspire any student, in any country, in any language, to tackle them. I used to work on North Carolina hog farms. I enjoyed the company of some damn fine people at every one of them. Hog farming is hard work. This isn't the backyard family farm, folks, this is 13 people with 98 boars, 3500 sows, and all the babies they can make. One of my toughest coworkers was a lesbian who could break Xena in half, and my one foray into writing horror gave her nightmares. I don't consider myself a poet, and I believe most of the reading world agrees with me. But I have published 6 poems. There is one that a hog farm coworker insists will be read at his funeral. Don't ask me why he was planning his funeral during our lunch break because I have no idea. But, well, I guess I'm invited, in a manner of speaking. Master Pizza, 30th Street, Tampa, Florida. A bunch of drunken Italian relatives reading one of my less-than-serious poems ALOUD between pitchers of beer. It was like a Joe Dolce moment. I was working as a security guard in a particularly unpleasant place. This was 20 years ago, I think. A fellow guard read one of my short stories. It is, by far, the most allegorical thing I've ever written. I can't tell you how many times I've thought about throwing it out. But then, I remember Bob's words. "This is me. This is my life." Me too, old pal, and I don't care if you and I are the only two readers to have any idea what I'm talking about. {Scapegoat Bob!} I've written some pretty heady volumes, but I've also written quite a few short works. I've heard from numerous students here in China that, "This is the first book in English I've ever finished reading." When I write, I certainly never set out to help anyone learn English. (Some of my editors may claim I never learned the language.) And, students will LIE to teachers. But I've decided that at least one was telling the truth. When I left the US, I embarked on several journeys. Learning to live in China. Learning to love again. Taking another shot at the writer dream. And, eventually, teaching. After all that, I tried my hand at writing humor for the first time. Every time I hear my wife laugh at something I've written, I file it away as a reason to keep writing. I've written one play in my life. I was young, and quite hooked on the album (pre-CD days) JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. So, you guessed it, I tackled JC. I wrote something that nobody can read without having a powerful reaction. Readers love it or they hate it. I'm proud of that. And hey, it's only one act long. I have a short attention span. I loaned Clint "Two Dawgs" Hill my very first book. My cousin. He took it to Durham (North Carolina) and loaned it to a bunch of hippie buddies. He asked for another, because the first one fell apart from overuse. That's why we publish. People all but fighting for the chance to read my words. And heck, the book wasn't even good yet. It's 20 years older now. I mention all this for the jaded old bastards who have a few novels and bit of minor success under their belts. Nobody else is reading this anymore, are they? So, maybe this is why we don't just stop when the book is written, stick it in a drawer, and uncork the champagne. Although I do hope you uncorked the champagne. This planet contains far too many people who "want to be authors" but who haven't written a book. Never have, never will. Meanwhile, you and I are sitting here knowing we had no choice. We had to write. Why publish? Heck, why not?
Who Moved My Rice? http://www.chinarice.org You can't eat grits with chopsticks
A major "character" in Mark Salzman's first autobiography is his father. Sometimes his father paints. But his father hates painting. He likes it when his painting is done. He likes having painted. But the act of painting itself is, in his opinion, a big pain in the backside. Nobody reading this approaches writing like that, do they? I know I don't. Of all my experiences as an author, whacking those words down onto the paper is the best of the best. Always has been, always will be. Even though I cut most of them. I like creating. I've quoted Hemingway before. Long periods of thinking, short periods of writing. These days, my thinking takes longer and my periods of writing are getting less frequent, but both still happen, and I still love creating something from nothing. If it weren't for me, you would never read the words you're reading right now. Nobody else would ever write them. And they contain my thoughts. Through time and space, better than telepathy, you hear what I'm saying. So, there's one reason to write, isn't it? The biggie, if you ask me. I write what I do because I can't NOT write it. I may be clarifying my thoughts in my own head. But, most certainly, I'm just so moved by those thoughts that I must put them on paper. They're in me and they have to get out, kinda like those critters in the ALIEN movies. Is this the only reason to write? Because I want to zap my thoughts into your heads? I don't know. But let me change the question. Is this a reason to publish? Why not write your books and stick them in a filing cabinet like Sean Connery did in the film FINDING FORRESTER? Write it, express it, file it away. Why publish it? (It's okay if you haven't seen this obscure little gem. I will explain all.) In fact, there are writers who do exactly that. Some fear rejection or criticism. We hear about them whenever we pop into a writing workshop. But I don't think there are very many of them. I have trouble picturing someone who can spend months (years?) doing something as essentially egotistical as writing a novel, but who is fundamentally lacking in any sort of self-confidence. Naw, they're thinking posterity but lack the stones to admit it. At times I've got an inferiority complex I wouldn't dream of whacking onto your shoulders, but it was absent when I wrote my books. During the act of writing itself, you think, "My words are better than your words." You do. You feel that you must record your thoughts because they're that much better than most. That's what writing is. So, I would say that by definition the author isn't ALWAYS plagued by self-doubt. In FINDING FORRESTER, the Sean Connery character won the Pulitzer with his first book, saw that every reviewer misunderstood him, and decided they could all get stuffed. This is a movie, a work of fiction, but I understand the attitude. I once wrote a true story, where the main character was Michael LaRocca, only to have a critic slam the main character as "unbelievable." Apparently I don't act like real people. I could never shove all my writing in a filing cabinet, unpub- lished, and tell the establishment to get stuffed. But yep, there are stupid people in the world, and some of them review books. So, we've identified two groups who won't be seeking publication. Hopelessly insecure and hopelessly arrogant. But, like Aristotle, I prefer moderation. You still may be wondering why I seek publi- cation. So do I. Let my exploration of this question continue. I've hit best-seller status for two different e-publishers with three different books. Minor thrills at the time, but there's no way I could call them enough of a reward for what I put into writing. You're an author. You know what I'm talking about. We all but kill ourselves to make our books. And let's be blunt here. Unless you're going to throw Rowling/King/Clancy/Grisham money at me -- and you're NOT -- money isn't sufficient reason to publish. Publishing isn't just a case of sending it to a publisher, signing a contract, and being done. Next up is editing, which is a blast. Not at the time, perhaps. Any editor worth a damn will beat you over the head with every bad word choice you ever made. And you made hundreds! But at the end of that gauntlet, you know you are da bomb. Seeing my cover art is almost always awesome. Yes, I did say "almost." One bad experience among eight. It happens. But if you've worked with a publisher, you know what I mean. You log onto the Internet one morning, not fully conscious, amazed that you poured that first cup of coffee without burning off your naughty bits. You pop open an email and see cover art that almost makes your head explode. You get this big rush, thinking, "Someone understands my writing!" What you don't realize, naive little author, is that some artists don't even read the books they do the art for. But still. The art rocks your world. Feel that. I always enjoy clicking those email attachments and seeing MY book covers. Then comes marketing. Biggest pain in the... Well, let's just say it makes me want to not publish sometimes. So why publish? I've entered the EPPIES three times, and been a finalist three times. The second time one of my books was an EPPIE finalist, I made some wisecrack in an author's egroup about how "finalist" is a synonym for "loser" and was raked over the coals. Oops! (Maybe I annoyed entrants who weren't finalists. I'd always wondered if they existed...) So let's say I'm not publishing for money or awards. They sing a siren song to new authors which this jaded old bastard quit hearing long ago. I got all that out of my system in the previous millenium. So why do I still publish? What are my rewards? Let me mention a few. A psychologist turned English teacher formed a women's reading group at the university where we once worked together in China. Her concept was women readers, women writers. But the first book the group ever discussed was my very own RISING FROM THE ASHES, which is about Mom. My only foray into "women's literature." I couldn't attend the reading group, since I'm a guy, but my wife was there. What I learned about my book is priceless, as is knowing what those young students discussed because of my writing. Issues of such depth that I'd be proud to inspire any student, in any country, in any language, to tackle them. I used to work on North Carolina hog farms. I enjoyed the company of some damn fine people at every one of them. Hog farming is hard work. This isn't the backyard family farm, folks, this is 13 people with 98 boars, 3500 sows, and all the babies they can make. One of my toughest coworkers was a lesbian who could break Xena in half, and my one foray into writing horror gave her nightmares. I don't consider myself a poet, and I believe most of the reading world agrees with me. But I have published 6 poems. There is one that a hog farm coworker insists will be read at his funeral. Don't ask me why he was planning his funeral during our lunch break because I have no idea. But, well, I guess I'm invited, in a manner of speaking. Master Pizza, 30th Street, Tampa, Florida. A bunch of drunken Italian relatives reading one of my less-than-serious poems ALOUD between pitchers of beer. It was like a Joe Dolce moment. I was working as a security guard in a particularly unpleasant place. This was 20 years ago, I think. A fellow guard read one of my short stories. It is, by far, the most allegorical thing I've ever written. I can't tell you how many times I've thought about throwing it out. But then, I remember Bob's words. "This is me. This is my life." Me too, old pal, and I don't care if you and I are the only two readers to have any idea what I'm talking about. {Scapegoat Bob!} I've written some pretty heady volumes, but I've also written quite a few short works. I've heard from numerous students here in China that, "This is the first book in English I've ever finished reading." When I write, I certainly never set out to help anyone learn English. (Some of my editors may claim I never learned the language.) And, students will LIE to teachers. But I've decided that at least one was telling the truth. When I left the US, I embarked on several journeys. Learning to live in China. Learning to love again. Taking another shot at the writer dream. And, eventually, teaching. After all that, I tried my hand at writing humor for the first time. Every time I hear my wife laugh at something I've written, I file it away as a reason to keep writing. I've written one play in my life. I was young, and quite hooked on the album (pre-CD days) JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. So, you guessed it, I tackled JC. I wrote something that nobody can read without having a powerful reaction. Readers love it or they hate it. I'm proud of that. And hey, it's only one act long. I have a short attention span. I loaned Clint "Two Dawgs" Hill my very first book. My cousin. He took it to Durham (North Carolina) and loaned it to a bunch of hippie buddies. He asked for another, because the first one fell apart from overuse. That's why we publish. People all but fighting for the chance to read my words. And heck, the book wasn't even good yet. It's 20 years older now. I mention all this for the jaded old bastards who have a few novels and bit of minor success under their belts. Nobody else is reading this anymore, are they? So, maybe this is why we don't just stop when the book is written, stick it in a drawer, and uncork the champagne. Although I do hope you uncorked the champagne. This planet contains far too many people who "want to be authors" but who haven't written a book. Never have, never will. Meanwhile, you and I are sitting here knowing we had no choice. We had to write. Why publish? Heck, why not?
Who Moved My Rice? http://www.chinarice.org You can't eat grits with chopsticks
Speed Reading - 10 Tips to Improve Reading Speed & Reading ...
10 tips to improve your reading speed and reading comprehension by speed reading expert, Richard Feldman, Ph.D., Columbia University
10 tips to improve your reading speed and reading comprehension by speed reading expert, Richard Feldman, Ph.D., Columbia University
Seven Secrets of Writing a Book That Sells
It's one thing to write a book, it's an entirely different thing to write one that's a saleable, viable, marketable product. Ensuring the success of a book is something even the biggest publishers have never been able to guarantee. Mitigating circumstances, flash trends, and world events will all affect buyer preferences. That said, there are still ways to leverage the sales-factor in your favor and here's how you do it.
1. Know your readers. We're not just talking about whether your readers are male or female. You'll want to know myriad factors about your audience. How old are your readers (age range)? Are readers married, single, or divorced? Where do your readers live (generally)? What do your readers do for a living? What other books/publications do they read? Develop a profile that includes where they shop, what clubs they belong to, etc.
These elements will help you incorporate these aspects into your book *and* help you unearth salient marketing opportunities (i.e., publications and stores).
2. Know your market. What's the market like for your book? Is there a trend out there you're positioning yourself toward? Are you reading all the publications related to this topic/trend? Are there any "holes" out there your book could fill? What's the future for this market/topic? For example, let's say you're a fiction writer looking to publish chick lit. Go to any bookstore and you can't help but spot the cutsie, pink, cartoonish covers. Many thought this trend was dying out, but it has recently seen another surge. What do you know about trends related to your book/topic/audience?
3. Similar books. What else has been published on your topic? Have you read all ten books in your category? If you haven't, you should. You'll want to know everything you can about what's out there and how it's being perceived in the marketplace. It's never a problem having a similar topic. When I published No More Rejections - Get Published Today, I knew there were other books out there on marketing. I read them all--then angled my book differently.
4. Getting and staying current. What's going on in your industry today? What are some hot buttons? What are people looking for? What's next on the horizon for this topic/audience? If you can't seem to gather this information through traditional channels, why not survey your target audience? There are a number of places to run free surveys, Survey Monkey is one of them: http://www.surveymonkey.com
5. Follow the media. What's the media talking about these days? Keep track of media buzz--what they're paying attention to and what they're writing about. Delve beyond the front page of your paper to the second or third page and see what's filling the pages. If you can get your hands on out-of-state papers, do a comparative review. Do you see a trend in coverage? Is there something that seems to be getting more buzz even if it's on page six?
6. Talk, teach, listen. One of the best ways I've found to get in touch with my audience was to teach a class and do speaking engagements. When I was putting together my book, Get Published Today, I found that the classes I taught provided valuable information for creating a great book because they put me directly in touch with my audience!
7. Timing is everything. When do you plan to release your tome? Are you releasing around a holiday or anniversary? Could you take advantage of any upcoming event and/or holiday for your book launch?
Penny C. Sansevieri: The Cliffhanger was published in June of 2000. After a strategic marketing campaign it quickly climbed the ranks at Amazon.com to the #1 best selling book in San Diego. Her most recent book: From Book to Bestseller was released in 2005 to rave reviews and is being called the “roadmap to publishing success.” Penny is a book marketing and media relations specialist. She also coaches authors on projects, manuscripts and marketing plans and instructs a variety of coursing on publishing and promotion. To learn more about her books or her promotional services, you can visit her web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com
It's one thing to write a book, it's an entirely different thing to write one that's a saleable, viable, marketable product. Ensuring the success of a book is something even the biggest publishers have never been able to guarantee. Mitigating circumstances, flash trends, and world events will all affect buyer preferences. That said, there are still ways to leverage the sales-factor in your favor and here's how you do it.
1. Know your readers. We're not just talking about whether your readers are male or female. You'll want to know myriad factors about your audience. How old are your readers (age range)? Are readers married, single, or divorced? Where do your readers live (generally)? What do your readers do for a living? What other books/publications do they read? Develop a profile that includes where they shop, what clubs they belong to, etc.
These elements will help you incorporate these aspects into your book *and* help you unearth salient marketing opportunities (i.e., publications and stores).
2. Know your market. What's the market like for your book? Is there a trend out there you're positioning yourself toward? Are you reading all the publications related to this topic/trend? Are there any "holes" out there your book could fill? What's the future for this market/topic? For example, let's say you're a fiction writer looking to publish chick lit. Go to any bookstore and you can't help but spot the cutsie, pink, cartoonish covers. Many thought this trend was dying out, but it has recently seen another surge. What do you know about trends related to your book/topic/audience?
3. Similar books. What else has been published on your topic? Have you read all ten books in your category? If you haven't, you should. You'll want to know everything you can about what's out there and how it's being perceived in the marketplace. It's never a problem having a similar topic. When I published No More Rejections - Get Published Today, I knew there were other books out there on marketing. I read them all--then angled my book differently.
4. Getting and staying current. What's going on in your industry today? What are some hot buttons? What are people looking for? What's next on the horizon for this topic/audience? If you can't seem to gather this information through traditional channels, why not survey your target audience? There are a number of places to run free surveys, Survey Monkey is one of them: http://www.surveymonkey.com
5. Follow the media. What's the media talking about these days? Keep track of media buzz--what they're paying attention to and what they're writing about. Delve beyond the front page of your paper to the second or third page and see what's filling the pages. If you can get your hands on out-of-state papers, do a comparative review. Do you see a trend in coverage? Is there something that seems to be getting more buzz even if it's on page six?
6. Talk, teach, listen. One of the best ways I've found to get in touch with my audience was to teach a class and do speaking engagements. When I was putting together my book, Get Published Today, I found that the classes I taught provided valuable information for creating a great book because they put me directly in touch with my audience!
7. Timing is everything. When do you plan to release your tome? Are you releasing around a holiday or anniversary? Could you take advantage of any upcoming event and/or holiday for your book launch?
Penny C. Sansevieri: The Cliffhanger was published in June of 2000. After a strategic marketing campaign it quickly climbed the ranks at Amazon.com to the #1 best selling book in San Diego. Her most recent book: From Book to Bestseller was released in 2005 to rave reviews and is being called the “roadmap to publishing success.” Penny is a book marketing and media relations specialist. She also coaches authors on projects, manuscripts and marketing plans and instructs a variety of coursing on publishing and promotion. To learn more about her books or her promotional services, you can visit her web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com
My Name Is Carol And I Am Addicted To Audio Books
Hi, my name is Carol and I am addicted to audio books.
My story: I am 32 and addicted to audio books. I have been trying to cut back but I can't.
I was first introduced to audio books 12 years ago. My parents bought me a Stephen King audio book as a birthday present. It included 10 books on cassettes each 25 minutes. I finished listening to it the first night. Then, I started buying audio books for me and for each of my friend's birthdays (whether they liked audio books or not).
As times passed I moved to audio books on CDs and later on to downloadable audio books. I have known all the online audio book rental services and buying services. In fact, I had an account in most of them.
My average output was two audio books per week but I remember some weeks where I skipped sleeping and listened to up to five audio books. I purchased almost any new fiction audio book in the market.
I managed to find some free audio books but still paid a lot of money for my audio book collection.
I got addicted to the comfort of having a "miniature" book. I got addicted to the narration, the music and the sound effects.
I got addicted to the ability to listen to audio books anytime and anywhere (I remember listening to it in the bathroom and in work and in other weird places).
And then I decided to make the move. If I can't beat it, I would join it. I resigned from work and made a profession out of my hobby — I started making money out of my comprehensive knowledge of audio books.
Nowadays, I write reviews about new audio books and serve as a consultant for audio books' publishers. I am happy listening to free audio books and being paid for it (just finished listening to the last Harry Potter audio book).
Have you tried listening to audio books? Try it.
Carol told her story to Paton Jackson, the head of 911 corp. We have made a comprehensive research about audio books. Let us share with you our findings – the best audio books sources, titles and much more audio book information only on the audio book bible - <a href="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" target="_blank">http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm</a>
Hi, my name is Carol and I am addicted to audio books.
My story: I am 32 and addicted to audio books. I have been trying to cut back but I can't.
I was first introduced to audio books 12 years ago. My parents bought me a Stephen King audio book as a birthday present. It included 10 books on cassettes each 25 minutes. I finished listening to it the first night. Then, I started buying audio books for me and for each of my friend's birthdays (whether they liked audio books or not).
As times passed I moved to audio books on CDs and later on to downloadable audio books. I have known all the online audio book rental services and buying services. In fact, I had an account in most of them.
My average output was two audio books per week but I remember some weeks where I skipped sleeping and listened to up to five audio books. I purchased almost any new fiction audio book in the market.
I managed to find some free audio books but still paid a lot of money for my audio book collection.
I got addicted to the comfort of having a "miniature" book. I got addicted to the narration, the music and the sound effects.
I got addicted to the ability to listen to audio books anytime and anywhere (I remember listening to it in the bathroom and in work and in other weird places).
And then I decided to make the move. If I can't beat it, I would join it. I resigned from work and made a profession out of my hobby — I started making money out of my comprehensive knowledge of audio books.
Nowadays, I write reviews about new audio books and serve as a consultant for audio books' publishers. I am happy listening to free audio books and being paid for it (just finished listening to the last Harry Potter audio book).
Have you tried listening to audio books? Try it.
Carol told her story to Paton Jackson, the head of 911 corp. We have made a comprehensive research about audio books. Let us share with you our findings – the best audio books sources, titles and much more audio book information only on the audio book bible - <a href="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" target="_blank">http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm</a>
Book Reviews 101
Here are 9 simple steps to keep in mind when creating a book review. Any kind of book review, either written or via web video, explores the main aspects of the book, along with more specific examples.
However, a good book review is not simply a book report or a summary - it goes a step further and connects the book to the world around us.
Some things to keep in mind when reviewing a book:
1. State the name of the book, author and publication information exactly. This seems simple, but is sadly often botched.
2. Do your research and read the book carefully. Don’t review the book if you haven’t completely read it.
3. Never give away the whole story. The goal is to entice readers with your review. Let them know what the book is about; while leaving them wanting more.
4. What is the theme of the book? If a work of fiction, how does the author use characters and setting to drive the plot?
5. What genre is the book? Does it live up to that genre? If it is a mystery, did it keep you guessing? Or, if for instance a how-to book, could one follow the instructions and perform the tasks described?
6. Let people know how you related to the book. Did it make you laugh or cry? Try to share some highlights of the book without giving away too much. Share your personal connection with the book. It makes the review interesting, and gives the person watching or reading your review a sense of who you are.
7. You don’t have to, in a general sort of way, love the book you’re reviewing. Be specific and give specific examples out of the book that support your opinion.
8. Have you read other titles by the author? Comparing the title you are reviewing to other books by the same author will help people gauge their interest in the book.
9. Do some research about the author. There may be something very interesting about the author that readers want to know.
Jessica produces book reviews at BlueRectangle’s San Leandro, California office. BlueRectangle not only buys back <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com/buyback">used books</a> and textbooks; but offers video <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com/reviews/view_one_category/today">book reviews</a> To watch some book reviews please visit <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com">Blue Rectangle</a>
Here are 9 simple steps to keep in mind when creating a book review. Any kind of book review, either written or via web video, explores the main aspects of the book, along with more specific examples.
However, a good book review is not simply a book report or a summary - it goes a step further and connects the book to the world around us.
Some things to keep in mind when reviewing a book:
1. State the name of the book, author and publication information exactly. This seems simple, but is sadly often botched.
2. Do your research and read the book carefully. Don’t review the book if you haven’t completely read it.
3. Never give away the whole story. The goal is to entice readers with your review. Let them know what the book is about; while leaving them wanting more.
4. What is the theme of the book? If a work of fiction, how does the author use characters and setting to drive the plot?
5. What genre is the book? Does it live up to that genre? If it is a mystery, did it keep you guessing? Or, if for instance a how-to book, could one follow the instructions and perform the tasks described?
6. Let people know how you related to the book. Did it make you laugh or cry? Try to share some highlights of the book without giving away too much. Share your personal connection with the book. It makes the review interesting, and gives the person watching or reading your review a sense of who you are.
7. You don’t have to, in a general sort of way, love the book you’re reviewing. Be specific and give specific examples out of the book that support your opinion.
8. Have you read other titles by the author? Comparing the title you are reviewing to other books by the same author will help people gauge their interest in the book.
9. Do some research about the author. There may be something very interesting about the author that readers want to know.
Jessica produces book reviews at BlueRectangle’s San Leandro, California office. BlueRectangle not only buys back <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com/buyback">used books</a> and textbooks; but offers video <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com/reviews/view_one_category/today">book reviews</a> To watch some book reviews please visit <a href="http://www.bluerectangle.com">Blue Rectangle</a>
With Audiobooks You Can Now Multitask.
New advances in technology have bought with it the evolution of the MP3 player as well as audiobooks. Never before has there been a time when it has been so easy to learn and absorb information and news while performing other various tasks. Small portable MP3 players like iPods have made it easy to carry around a huge database of information to listen to and absorb while performing other daily tasks. Audiobooks can now be enjoyed while exercising. It doesn’t matter whether it’s jogging in the park, riding your bike to work, pounding up and down on equipment in a gym or walking along a beach. Audiobooks allow you the ability to take time out for exercising while at the same being able to listen to and absorb your favourite author or book. All you need to do is place your MP3 player in your pocket, place the earphones in your ears and away you go. Audiobooks are great for learning and studying at the same time. Audiobooks give you the ability to listen to study material and the freedom to take notes at the same time. Audiobooks are great for slow readers as it gives them the extra time to concentrate on studying rather than on the time it takes them to read. Slow reader’s have a huge advantage as well as they are able to take more in while listening. Audiobooks are great for learning while doing mundane house chores or other forms of chores like guttering, painting, cleaning out the shed, moving furniture or the dreaded mowing. Listening to audiobooks while performing mundane chores can improve your overall work performance as it takes the focus off the mundane chore you are performing. It is also a great stress reliever as listening to audiobooks allows you to focus on the positive audiobook not the negative mundane chore you are doing. Relaxing and keeping hygienic at the same time. This is one of my favourite ways to multi task. No more soggy books with this one. You just lay back in a nice bubble filled bath, press play on the iPod and study away. This is a great way to study, you can take more in as you are fully relaxed and the pressure is off the study and onto relaxing and cleaning. It’s also great for reducing stress especially around exam time. You can also learn while sleeping with audiobooks. It has been said that 10 minutes after you go to sleep you brain moves into alpha state which is the state where you take most information in. So plug in the headphones and have a nice peaceful sleep while listening to your favourite audiobook. Audiobooks are great when surfing the internet. You can surf; play games, chat, Skype, or do a whole range of other activities while on your computer. You can download an audiobook and be learning within minutes while doing whatever other task you may need to do on your computer. You can even listen to the audiobook if you happen to take a break away from the computer for a short or long time. Just plug your MP3 player into your computer and download the Audiobook straight to your MP3 player and then listen to it when you want. There are lots of other ways you can multitask with Audiobooks. These are just a few examples of some of the ways you can multitask with audiobooks as well as with such devices as MP3 players and computers.
Jia Hunter is an avid audiobook follower and listener. He runs an information website that provides downloadable audiobooks from the world leading publishers’ titles. He offers regular special bonuses and offers as well as free downloadable audiobooks. So take advantage of this and go to the online audiobook store at www.heartmagik.com
New advances in technology have bought with it the evolution of the MP3 player as well as audiobooks. Never before has there been a time when it has been so easy to learn and absorb information and news while performing other various tasks. Small portable MP3 players like iPods have made it easy to carry around a huge database of information to listen to and absorb while performing other daily tasks. Audiobooks can now be enjoyed while exercising. It doesn’t matter whether it’s jogging in the park, riding your bike to work, pounding up and down on equipment in a gym or walking along a beach. Audiobooks allow you the ability to take time out for exercising while at the same being able to listen to and absorb your favourite author or book. All you need to do is place your MP3 player in your pocket, place the earphones in your ears and away you go. Audiobooks are great for learning and studying at the same time. Audiobooks give you the ability to listen to study material and the freedom to take notes at the same time. Audiobooks are great for slow readers as it gives them the extra time to concentrate on studying rather than on the time it takes them to read. Slow reader’s have a huge advantage as well as they are able to take more in while listening. Audiobooks are great for learning while doing mundane house chores or other forms of chores like guttering, painting, cleaning out the shed, moving furniture or the dreaded mowing. Listening to audiobooks while performing mundane chores can improve your overall work performance as it takes the focus off the mundane chore you are performing. It is also a great stress reliever as listening to audiobooks allows you to focus on the positive audiobook not the negative mundane chore you are doing. Relaxing and keeping hygienic at the same time. This is one of my favourite ways to multi task. No more soggy books with this one. You just lay back in a nice bubble filled bath, press play on the iPod and study away. This is a great way to study, you can take more in as you are fully relaxed and the pressure is off the study and onto relaxing and cleaning. It’s also great for reducing stress especially around exam time. You can also learn while sleeping with audiobooks. It has been said that 10 minutes after you go to sleep you brain moves into alpha state which is the state where you take most information in. So plug in the headphones and have a nice peaceful sleep while listening to your favourite audiobook. Audiobooks are great when surfing the internet. You can surf; play games, chat, Skype, or do a whole range of other activities while on your computer. You can download an audiobook and be learning within minutes while doing whatever other task you may need to do on your computer. You can even listen to the audiobook if you happen to take a break away from the computer for a short or long time. Just plug your MP3 player into your computer and download the Audiobook straight to your MP3 player and then listen to it when you want. There are lots of other ways you can multitask with Audiobooks. These are just a few examples of some of the ways you can multitask with audiobooks as well as with such devices as MP3 players and computers.
Jia Hunter is an avid audiobook follower and listener. He runs an information website that provides downloadable audiobooks from the world leading publishers’ titles. He offers regular special bonuses and offers as well as free downloadable audiobooks. So take advantage of this and go to the online audiobook store at www.heartmagik.com
Writing Fiction That Sells
ACT ONE â€" The Setup
In Act One the protagonist meets all of the characters in the story. We also learn the main problem of the story. Everybody can usually plot Act One because we have to know the problem to have the idea. The trick in Act One is to keep it interesting. Don't just start rolling out story points. Start at the most interesting point, where there is conflict and excitement, and help the audience sort it out.
Act One is a preparation act for the viewer or reader. This is where they learn about the central character â€" whether they like him, whether they care about him, and whether they care about his dilemma.
The protagonist may be the hero or the villain, depending on whose story is more interesting, whose story drives the plot forward.
You should open Act One with a bang. Don't start at "Once upon a time." Open with a hook. By the end of Act One you should also have introduced the protagonist, the antagonist and set up all of the secondary character relationships.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act One.
1. Establish the status quo for the protagonist.
2. Present the initial impetus for a move or change by the protagonist.
3. Ask the central question of the book. Summarize your book in 25 words or less and you will find the central question of your book.
4. Define the wants of the major characters and their reasons for desiring these things.
5. Lay the groundwork and establish the stakes for the chase to occur in Act Two.
ACT TWO â€" The Chase
This is the most important act in the drama because you have the two most important structural moves in the story.
1. It complicates the initial problem.
2. It defeats the protagonist at its end.
The complication usually comes at the top of Act Two. The problem that we already set up in Act One, now has to become much more dangerous and difficult.
A good way to design the complication is to let it be a piece of the back-story that has remained hidden until Act Two. The protagonist must then start to try to solve this bigger, more complicated problem, while the adversaries make moves to defeat them. Your adversaries must be in motion. Adversaries should not be standing around, waiting to be caught.
The end of Act Two marks the destruction of the protagonist’s plan.
At the end of Act Two the protagonist should be almost destroyed, and at the lowest point in the drama, either physically and/or emotionally. He (or she) is flat on his back and it looks like there is no way he can succeed.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act Two.
1. The protagonist behaves differently, more assertive
2. The protagonist tries to do the right thing, but is foiled by the antagonist three times. These are called reversals. Think of any story and spot the reversals. The overall conflict has three reversals and one conclusion.
3. Use the information presented in Act One. This is the groundwork we discussed during Act One. Objects and facts that appeared in the background of Act One now take on new meanings significant to the plot.
4. Make the chase unpredictable, stimulating, engaging and unique.
5. Rely heavily on physical action.
6. Put the characters in interesting situations and locations, ensuring those situations and locations relate to the hero’s intent.
ACT THREE
This is simply the resolution of the problem. From the rubble laying around him/her, the protagonist picks up a piece of string and follows it to the eventual conclusion of the story. Some stories have downbeat endings, where the protagonist learns a lesson, but dies or is defeated.
Of course, there is no precise formula for success. It is always possible to alter this Three Act Structure, but remember, if you break these plot rules, you should at least know why you are doing it.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act Three.
1. Answer the central question of the book.
2. Fulfill all the promises made in Acts One and Two.
3. Answer all questions asked in Acts One and Two â€" no loose ends.
4. The protagonist must undergo a change to conquer a larger version of something that conquered him during Act One.
Patrick Dent, author of the new covert ops thriller, Execution of Justice, at
Action Adventure Book
The online resource to help new authors refine their writing skills.
Creative Writing, Fiction
Patrick Dent, author of the covert ops thriller, Execution of Justice at: http://www.lulu.com/EOJ Online resource for new authors: http://www.creativewritingfiction.com
ACT ONE â€" The Setup
In Act One the protagonist meets all of the characters in the story. We also learn the main problem of the story. Everybody can usually plot Act One because we have to know the problem to have the idea. The trick in Act One is to keep it interesting. Don't just start rolling out story points. Start at the most interesting point, where there is conflict and excitement, and help the audience sort it out.
Act One is a preparation act for the viewer or reader. This is where they learn about the central character â€" whether they like him, whether they care about him, and whether they care about his dilemma.
The protagonist may be the hero or the villain, depending on whose story is more interesting, whose story drives the plot forward.
You should open Act One with a bang. Don't start at "Once upon a time." Open with a hook. By the end of Act One you should also have introduced the protagonist, the antagonist and set up all of the secondary character relationships.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act One.
1. Establish the status quo for the protagonist.
2. Present the initial impetus for a move or change by the protagonist.
3. Ask the central question of the book. Summarize your book in 25 words or less and you will find the central question of your book.
4. Define the wants of the major characters and their reasons for desiring these things.
5. Lay the groundwork and establish the stakes for the chase to occur in Act Two.
ACT TWO â€" The Chase
This is the most important act in the drama because you have the two most important structural moves in the story.
1. It complicates the initial problem.
2. It defeats the protagonist at its end.
The complication usually comes at the top of Act Two. The problem that we already set up in Act One, now has to become much more dangerous and difficult.
A good way to design the complication is to let it be a piece of the back-story that has remained hidden until Act Two. The protagonist must then start to try to solve this bigger, more complicated problem, while the adversaries make moves to defeat them. Your adversaries must be in motion. Adversaries should not be standing around, waiting to be caught.
The end of Act Two marks the destruction of the protagonist’s plan.
At the end of Act Two the protagonist should be almost destroyed, and at the lowest point in the drama, either physically and/or emotionally. He (or she) is flat on his back and it looks like there is no way he can succeed.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act Two.
1. The protagonist behaves differently, more assertive
2. The protagonist tries to do the right thing, but is foiled by the antagonist three times. These are called reversals. Think of any story and spot the reversals. The overall conflict has three reversals and one conclusion.
3. Use the information presented in Act One. This is the groundwork we discussed during Act One. Objects and facts that appeared in the background of Act One now take on new meanings significant to the plot.
4. Make the chase unpredictable, stimulating, engaging and unique.
5. Rely heavily on physical action.
6. Put the characters in interesting situations and locations, ensuring those situations and locations relate to the hero’s intent.
ACT THREE
This is simply the resolution of the problem. From the rubble laying around him/her, the protagonist picks up a piece of string and follows it to the eventual conclusion of the story. Some stories have downbeat endings, where the protagonist learns a lesson, but dies or is defeated.
Of course, there is no precise formula for success. It is always possible to alter this Three Act Structure, but remember, if you break these plot rules, you should at least know why you are doing it.
Here are some general guidelines for the objectives of Act Three.
1. Answer the central question of the book.
2. Fulfill all the promises made in Acts One and Two.
3. Answer all questions asked in Acts One and Two â€" no loose ends.
4. The protagonist must undergo a change to conquer a larger version of something that conquered him during Act One.
Patrick Dent, author of the new covert ops thriller, Execution of Justice, at
Action Adventure Book
The online resource to help new authors refine their writing skills.
Creative Writing, Fiction
Patrick Dent, author of the covert ops thriller, Execution of Justice at: http://www.lulu.com/EOJ Online resource for new authors: http://www.creativewritingfiction.com
Are Readers Important To Authors?
Bestselling authors speak of their fans in almost reverential tones, as well they should. A loyal readership that comes back for more, book after book, is the real key to long-term publishing success. Savvy authors work diligently to produce great work that will continue to please their audience, but many of them also communicate directly to their fans. Author?s web sites are all the rage, some of them quite elaborately produced.
Fauzia Burke is the founder and President of FSB Associates, http://www.fsbassciates.com. Her company specializes in publicity utilizing the Internet and author websites.
We asked Fauzia: What is the most unusual publicity program you've developed? ?We?re proud of our ability to harness all the power of the Web in the service of authors and their books, and we?re especially committed to making the online presence fit the project.
Here are some examples: ?Our site for Doug Stanton?s In Harm?s Way goes beyond words and pictures to include audio interviews with survivors of the 1945 sinking of the USS Indianapolis, video clips of the actual rescue at sea, and a discussion board. Our campaign introduced the book to many audiences, from World War II vets and history buffs, to college and high school students.
?For Christopher Rice?s supernatural thriller A Density Of Souls, we used animation and graphics to create an online gathering place that echoes the eerie atmosphere of the book, and added exclusive material like a virtual yearbook from the New Orleans high school of the story, and back-story on the characters. We even helped promote Chris's appearance on MTV's Real World.
?We used cutting-edge animated maps in our site for Rick Atkinson?s Pulitzer Prize winner An Army At Dawn, to illustrate critical points in the Allied assault on German-held North Africa in 1942-43. Animation helps bring alive our site for Tony Horwitz?s Blue Latitudes, combining a sea chart that traces the voyages of Captain Cook with excerpts from corresponding passages in the book.
?But we don?t use bells and whistles for their own sake. Our site for Mitch Albom?s novel The Five People You Meet In Heaven called for a simpler approach that lets the warm story and the wonderful writing take center stage. Because this is the kind of book people love to share, there?s an e-postcard that fans can send to their friends. There are teaching guides, and reading group materials, and a Q&A with Mitch. And for the Spanish edition of the book, we?ve created a Spanish-language site that will help broaden the audience even more.
?For all these books, we also waged word-of-mouth campaigns designed to attract attention, site traffic and media coverage. In the end, these coordinated efforts produced the most satisfying of all results ? sales.?
Quite a few author websites are just storefronts whose major purpose is to sell books. Others have a much more intimate feel, inviting visitors to: ?Come on in and meet me. Stay and chat.? With all the other pressures on their time, why do bestselling authors go to the trouble of answering fan e-mail, or posting responses to message boards on their web sites, and continually upgrading them with information about their new project or where they will be appearing?
Nicholas Sparks, www.nicholassparks.com, whose first book, The Notebook set a new standard for romance, answers the question: You interact with your fans more that many authors do. Your web site is particularly interactive, with message boards and an e-mail address for fans to reach you. Why did you take this approach? ?People have so many questions about my novels or want to know about me, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. I wanted to have the correct answers put up where readers could easily access them. The web site is a way to make sure the truth is getting out there. For instance, the question, Where did I get the idea for The Notebook? If I say it was inspired by my wife's grandparents, this is very much the truth, but not much information. Readers want to know more: How was it inspired? In what way? How did that whole thought process work? So I explained the whole situation so the readers understand.?
Does that interaction encourage the word of mouth buzz about your books? ?Maybe a little. But not everyone cares about what an author's life is like. They just want to read a good book.?
Anna Jacobs, http://www.annajacobs.com, has written 29 novels, mostly historical sagas and romances. She resides in Australia, her primary publisher is in the United Kingdom and her books are sold worldwide including the United States.
We asked Anna: Romance authors seem to have a more personal relationship with their fans, interacting with them on web sites, message boards, Internet chats, book readings. Why is that? What does an author learn from this interaction that assists her with her work? ?I'm not sure it's just romance authors. I think it's a woman's approach. I happen to believe that if you put something back into the universe it will bring good karma. Or as my daughter puts it: What goes around, comes around. But I also keep in touch with readers because if you can 'attach' readers as well as writing good books (the latter is the prime pre-requisite) they go out and talk about your books to others.
?I learn a lot from readers' emails about what has particularly pleased them. That doesn't hurt. Also writing is a very solitary activity, so it's nice to be in touch with others. And we all need feedback and praise. I'm as human as any other. I love to hear that someone has enjoyed my books. It's much more fun than sales figures.?
Susan Elizabeth Phillips, www.susanelizabethphillips.com, is the only five-time winner of the Romance Writers of America Favorite Book of the Year Award; inducted into the Romance Writers Hall of Fame, 2001? pioneered, and some say, perfected the ?romantic comedy? school of fiction. writes with a touch of humor. We asked Susan: You seem to interact quite a bit with your readers through your web site. You even mentioned there were several categories of fans you have, those who enjoy the humor in your books and those who are more attuned to what happens to the characters. How does the fan interaction shape your writing? ?I love my readers, but I do my best not to let their comments shape my writing in any way. About ten years ago, the light finally went off in my brain and I truly understood that every book I wrote would be somebody's favorite and somebody?s least favorite, that everybody in the world (gasp) wasn't going to like my books. This was intensely liberating. It told me that to do my best work I concentrate only on pleasing myself. Truly the biggest ?Aha Moment? of my career.?
It?s not only romance authors that have their own website, Stuart Woods, http://www.stuartwoods.com, writes hard hitting mysteries and has been on the New York Times Bestseller list many times.
Stuart answers the question: You are one of the bestselling authors who regularly corresponds with readers via e-mail, why? ?It gives me a direct kind of feedback. I get a sense that what I?m doing is the right thing to do. I?ve never made any changes in what I do because of what I?ve heard from readers. The vast preponderance of people love the books and write to tell me so.?
And it?s not just the household name authors who value their readers.
Lydia Joyce?s, www.lydiajoyce.com, most recent book is ?The Veil of Night? an intense, sensual remaking of the Gothic genre, with a mysterious Duke, a crumbling manor, and an older heroine with her own secrets to hide.
Lydia told us: ?To be absolutely crass, if I didn't have fans, I couldn't make money. And if I couldn't make money, writing would be a hobby, not a job!
?But fans are important to me for far more than financial reasons. My desire to become a writer started with the ghost stories I used to tell around Girl Scouts campfires. I loved how I could affect other people, how I could thrill them, excite them, and make them care about the people in my tales. The pleasure that other people get from my storytelling is a major motivator for me. If it weren't for that, I could be perfectly happy to leave my stories in my head where they started.?
Lynne Connolly is the author of the Richard and Rose series of books, romantic suspense novels set in the mid eighteenth century. Her latest book, "Harley Street" came out in March, and pits the new Lord and Lady Strang against their deadly enemies, Julia and Steven Drury in a tale of old transgressions come to test new found love.
We asked Lynne: Why are your fans important to you as an author? ?They validate my work, tell me that I'm on the right track. Fans aren't unthinking admirers, and can often give you information you never had before. Their encouragement keeps me going, and presenting my work to publishers and agents with confidence. Economically, they buy the books, making it possible for me to write more and for my publisher to continue having confidence in me. I sit at home all day on my own with a keyboard for company. Fans connect me, help me to keep on target. And a fan is a reader. They complete the link, the communication between writer and reader.
Marjorie Jones?s, www.majoriejones.com, ?The Jewel and the Sword? was just released by Medallion Press. She tells us fans are important to her because ?For me, fans are the end-all-be-all of the writing experience. Finishing a book is a terrific feeling. Selling that book to a publisher is an amazing feeling. Having that book accepted by the reading public is better than both! Why are they important? Because without them, my stories would float indefinitely inside the walls of my hard-drive. No purpose. No reason for being. Fans give the stories life.?
Take a few minutes this summer and find out a little bit more about your favorite author. If you really enjoyed their last book, let them know. They would like to hear from you.
Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books, the latest is "The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them." You can reach her through her website, <a href="http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com" title="http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com" target="_blank">http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com</a>
Bestselling authors speak of their fans in almost reverential tones, as well they should. A loyal readership that comes back for more, book after book, is the real key to long-term publishing success. Savvy authors work diligently to produce great work that will continue to please their audience, but many of them also communicate directly to their fans. Author?s web sites are all the rage, some of them quite elaborately produced.
Fauzia Burke is the founder and President of FSB Associates, http://www.fsbassciates.com. Her company specializes in publicity utilizing the Internet and author websites.
We asked Fauzia: What is the most unusual publicity program you've developed? ?We?re proud of our ability to harness all the power of the Web in the service of authors and their books, and we?re especially committed to making the online presence fit the project.
Here are some examples: ?Our site for Doug Stanton?s In Harm?s Way goes beyond words and pictures to include audio interviews with survivors of the 1945 sinking of the USS Indianapolis, video clips of the actual rescue at sea, and a discussion board. Our campaign introduced the book to many audiences, from World War II vets and history buffs, to college and high school students.
?For Christopher Rice?s supernatural thriller A Density Of Souls, we used animation and graphics to create an online gathering place that echoes the eerie atmosphere of the book, and added exclusive material like a virtual yearbook from the New Orleans high school of the story, and back-story on the characters. We even helped promote Chris's appearance on MTV's Real World.
?We used cutting-edge animated maps in our site for Rick Atkinson?s Pulitzer Prize winner An Army At Dawn, to illustrate critical points in the Allied assault on German-held North Africa in 1942-43. Animation helps bring alive our site for Tony Horwitz?s Blue Latitudes, combining a sea chart that traces the voyages of Captain Cook with excerpts from corresponding passages in the book.
?But we don?t use bells and whistles for their own sake. Our site for Mitch Albom?s novel The Five People You Meet In Heaven called for a simpler approach that lets the warm story and the wonderful writing take center stage. Because this is the kind of book people love to share, there?s an e-postcard that fans can send to their friends. There are teaching guides, and reading group materials, and a Q&A with Mitch. And for the Spanish edition of the book, we?ve created a Spanish-language site that will help broaden the audience even more.
?For all these books, we also waged word-of-mouth campaigns designed to attract attention, site traffic and media coverage. In the end, these coordinated efforts produced the most satisfying of all results ? sales.?
Quite a few author websites are just storefronts whose major purpose is to sell books. Others have a much more intimate feel, inviting visitors to: ?Come on in and meet me. Stay and chat.? With all the other pressures on their time, why do bestselling authors go to the trouble of answering fan e-mail, or posting responses to message boards on their web sites, and continually upgrading them with information about their new project or where they will be appearing?
Nicholas Sparks, www.nicholassparks.com, whose first book, The Notebook set a new standard for romance, answers the question: You interact with your fans more that many authors do. Your web site is particularly interactive, with message boards and an e-mail address for fans to reach you. Why did you take this approach? ?People have so many questions about my novels or want to know about me, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. I wanted to have the correct answers put up where readers could easily access them. The web site is a way to make sure the truth is getting out there. For instance, the question, Where did I get the idea for The Notebook? If I say it was inspired by my wife's grandparents, this is very much the truth, but not much information. Readers want to know more: How was it inspired? In what way? How did that whole thought process work? So I explained the whole situation so the readers understand.?
Does that interaction encourage the word of mouth buzz about your books? ?Maybe a little. But not everyone cares about what an author's life is like. They just want to read a good book.?
Anna Jacobs, http://www.annajacobs.com, has written 29 novels, mostly historical sagas and romances. She resides in Australia, her primary publisher is in the United Kingdom and her books are sold worldwide including the United States.
We asked Anna: Romance authors seem to have a more personal relationship with their fans, interacting with them on web sites, message boards, Internet chats, book readings. Why is that? What does an author learn from this interaction that assists her with her work? ?I'm not sure it's just romance authors. I think it's a woman's approach. I happen to believe that if you put something back into the universe it will bring good karma. Or as my daughter puts it: What goes around, comes around. But I also keep in touch with readers because if you can 'attach' readers as well as writing good books (the latter is the prime pre-requisite) they go out and talk about your books to others.
?I learn a lot from readers' emails about what has particularly pleased them. That doesn't hurt. Also writing is a very solitary activity, so it's nice to be in touch with others. And we all need feedback and praise. I'm as human as any other. I love to hear that someone has enjoyed my books. It's much more fun than sales figures.?
Susan Elizabeth Phillips, www.susanelizabethphillips.com, is the only five-time winner of the Romance Writers of America Favorite Book of the Year Award; inducted into the Romance Writers Hall of Fame, 2001? pioneered, and some say, perfected the ?romantic comedy? school of fiction. writes with a touch of humor. We asked Susan: You seem to interact quite a bit with your readers through your web site. You even mentioned there were several categories of fans you have, those who enjoy the humor in your books and those who are more attuned to what happens to the characters. How does the fan interaction shape your writing? ?I love my readers, but I do my best not to let their comments shape my writing in any way. About ten years ago, the light finally went off in my brain and I truly understood that every book I wrote would be somebody's favorite and somebody?s least favorite, that everybody in the world (gasp) wasn't going to like my books. This was intensely liberating. It told me that to do my best work I concentrate only on pleasing myself. Truly the biggest ?Aha Moment? of my career.?
It?s not only romance authors that have their own website, Stuart Woods, http://www.stuartwoods.com, writes hard hitting mysteries and has been on the New York Times Bestseller list many times.
Stuart answers the question: You are one of the bestselling authors who regularly corresponds with readers via e-mail, why? ?It gives me a direct kind of feedback. I get a sense that what I?m doing is the right thing to do. I?ve never made any changes in what I do because of what I?ve heard from readers. The vast preponderance of people love the books and write to tell me so.?
And it?s not just the household name authors who value their readers.
Lydia Joyce?s, www.lydiajoyce.com, most recent book is ?The Veil of Night? an intense, sensual remaking of the Gothic genre, with a mysterious Duke, a crumbling manor, and an older heroine with her own secrets to hide.
Lydia told us: ?To be absolutely crass, if I didn't have fans, I couldn't make money. And if I couldn't make money, writing would be a hobby, not a job!
?But fans are important to me for far more than financial reasons. My desire to become a writer started with the ghost stories I used to tell around Girl Scouts campfires. I loved how I could affect other people, how I could thrill them, excite them, and make them care about the people in my tales. The pleasure that other people get from my storytelling is a major motivator for me. If it weren't for that, I could be perfectly happy to leave my stories in my head where they started.?
Lynne Connolly is the author of the Richard and Rose series of books, romantic suspense novels set in the mid eighteenth century. Her latest book, "Harley Street" came out in March, and pits the new Lord and Lady Strang against their deadly enemies, Julia and Steven Drury in a tale of old transgressions come to test new found love.
We asked Lynne: Why are your fans important to you as an author? ?They validate my work, tell me that I'm on the right track. Fans aren't unthinking admirers, and can often give you information you never had before. Their encouragement keeps me going, and presenting my work to publishers and agents with confidence. Economically, they buy the books, making it possible for me to write more and for my publisher to continue having confidence in me. I sit at home all day on my own with a keyboard for company. Fans connect me, help me to keep on target. And a fan is a reader. They complete the link, the communication between writer and reader.
Marjorie Jones?s, www.majoriejones.com, ?The Jewel and the Sword? was just released by Medallion Press. She tells us fans are important to her because ?For me, fans are the end-all-be-all of the writing experience. Finishing a book is a terrific feeling. Selling that book to a publisher is an amazing feeling. Having that book accepted by the reading public is better than both! Why are they important? Because without them, my stories would float indefinitely inside the walls of my hard-drive. No purpose. No reason for being. Fans give the stories life.?
Take a few minutes this summer and find out a little bit more about your favorite author. If you really enjoyed their last book, let them know. They would like to hear from you.
Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books, the latest is "The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them." You can reach her through her website, <a href="http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com" title="http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com" target="_blank">http://www.BrianHillAndDeePower.com</a>
Your Guide To Online Audio Book Rental
Online audio book rental is so easy that we simply can not understand why some people are still buying audio books. Online audio book rental service offer the best deals on the audio books world today — Unlimited rental, No due dates, an enormous variety of downloadable audio books, cheap prices and much more.
Follow the following steps to start renting audio books online immediately:
1. Write down your expectations from the online audio book rental service:
The type of the audio books you are looking for — Fiction audio books, children audio book, business journals etc.
The amount of audio books you wish to listen to each month (or the audio book rental frequency)
The amount of money you wish to spend on audio book rental each month.
2. Go over the audio book rental plans at the main online audio book rental services and find out the proper plan that meets your expectations. If you are unsure with the plan you have chosen, don't worry because most rental plans have a free trial during which you can cancel it and get your money back
3. Sign up and enter your personal and payment details. In most of the rental services this procedure is easy and takes less than 5 minutes. In this phase you will choose the plan and select whether you wish to rent audio books on Cd, books on tape or downloadable audio books.
4. Prepare a list of the audio books you wish to rent. In most online audio book rental services you will have to check which of the audio books is currently available. However, in some audio book rental services you could enter the list and the next available audio book will be send to you.
5. Get the audio books. Download them or get them delivered to your house in two business days. Enjoy listening to the audio books while exercising, driving, cleaning house, hiking, running marathons, dropping the kids off at school - Wherever and whenever you want.
Paton Jackson, a member of 911 corp. is the author of this article. Let us share with you the findings of our audio books research – the best online audio books rental services and much more audio book information only on <a href="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" title="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" target="_blank">http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm</a>
Online audio book rental is so easy that we simply can not understand why some people are still buying audio books. Online audio book rental service offer the best deals on the audio books world today — Unlimited rental, No due dates, an enormous variety of downloadable audio books, cheap prices and much more.
Follow the following steps to start renting audio books online immediately:
1. Write down your expectations from the online audio book rental service:
The type of the audio books you are looking for — Fiction audio books, children audio book, business journals etc.
The amount of audio books you wish to listen to each month (or the audio book rental frequency)
The amount of money you wish to spend on audio book rental each month.
2. Go over the audio book rental plans at the main online audio book rental services and find out the proper plan that meets your expectations. If you are unsure with the plan you have chosen, don't worry because most rental plans have a free trial during which you can cancel it and get your money back
3. Sign up and enter your personal and payment details. In most of the rental services this procedure is easy and takes less than 5 minutes. In this phase you will choose the plan and select whether you wish to rent audio books on Cd, books on tape or downloadable audio books.
4. Prepare a list of the audio books you wish to rent. In most online audio book rental services you will have to check which of the audio books is currently available. However, in some audio book rental services you could enter the list and the next available audio book will be send to you.
5. Get the audio books. Download them or get them delivered to your house in two business days. Enjoy listening to the audio books while exercising, driving, cleaning house, hiking, running marathons, dropping the kids off at school - Wherever and whenever you want.
Paton Jackson, a member of 911 corp. is the author of this article. Let us share with you the findings of our audio books research – the best online audio books rental services and much more audio book information only on <a href="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" title="http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm" target="_blank">http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio%20books%20bible.htm</a>
Career Moves: Take Charge of Your Life
Every day millions of people let their inner fears stop them from creating the life of their dreams. No one will deny that it is scary to step out of your comfort zone, but once you challenge your fear and take action, you can attain great things. 1. Dream Great Dreams Imagine you could be, do, and have anything you want. How is what you want for your future different from your life today? Once you've identified your dream, you can take the steps to make it come true. 2. Make A Decision In every decision we make, we exert a power to shape and control our own life. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing our own empowerment, we sometimes blame our choices on things that have nothing to do with us. Understand you have power over your personal choices. Notice how your life changes with every decision you make, no matter how small. Take responsibility for your decisions so you can shape your ultimate path. 3. Exercise Your Power To Choose Simply dreaming great dreams will not change your life; rather, it is what you do with these dreams that is important. Sift your dreams, created in your right brain, through the logical sieve of your mind-your left brain. In order to achieve the dream, the left hemisphere has to believe that the dream is within the realm of possibility. Only then can the subconscious mind help us make the dream happen. 4. Form A Support Team Enroll people in your dream who can help you attain it. Many people find it difficult the accept help. They think they should be able to do everything themselves or that they will feel obligated to someone for their assistance. Remember, no person is an island. No one has all the answers and there are many unique ways to pay someone back. Find support early in the process and your journey will be much more fun and rewarding! 5. Keep Score Keep track of your progress and decide if where you are now is where you projected you would be. Learn from your successes and failures and determine what you need to work on to achieve your goals. 6. Establish A Baseline The baseline is where you are now; it is your line of scrimmage. With all you have built, now it is time to move forward. If something interrupts your progress, you will need to evaluate what went wrong, make some adjustments, and start moving again. 7. Know Where The Goal Line Is The goal line is your desired outcome. As you focus on the long-term goal, don't forget the short-term goals. Setting and attaining small goals helps give your self-confidence a boost and keeps you motivated to continue plugging toward your long-term goals. 8. Reward Yourself Kudos from others are great, but it is also important to reward yourself. Commit to paper how you will reward yourself when you reach a certain goal and follow through. Take that exotic vacation you have dreamed about or buy something special to remind you of your success. The thrill of the game of life is charting a course, facing challenges head on, and holding someone else's hand along the way. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Either way, when you focus on the big picture and refuse to let past mistakes keep you down, you create a future that is filled with possibility. So live to the fullest in the present moment and make the most of it to achieve your vision.
Jo Condrill's career took her from a part-time job in Texas to a supervisory position in the Pentagon in less than ten years, and she never wore a uniform. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at no charge: http://www.goalminds.com Go here for her stories and guidance Take Charge of Your Life Sign Http://www.goalminds.com/primer.html
Every day millions of people let their inner fears stop them from creating the life of their dreams. No one will deny that it is scary to step out of your comfort zone, but once you challenge your fear and take action, you can attain great things. 1. Dream Great Dreams Imagine you could be, do, and have anything you want. How is what you want for your future different from your life today? Once you've identified your dream, you can take the steps to make it come true. 2. Make A Decision In every decision we make, we exert a power to shape and control our own life. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing our own empowerment, we sometimes blame our choices on things that have nothing to do with us. Understand you have power over your personal choices. Notice how your life changes with every decision you make, no matter how small. Take responsibility for your decisions so you can shape your ultimate path. 3. Exercise Your Power To Choose Simply dreaming great dreams will not change your life; rather, it is what you do with these dreams that is important. Sift your dreams, created in your right brain, through the logical sieve of your mind-your left brain. In order to achieve the dream, the left hemisphere has to believe that the dream is within the realm of possibility. Only then can the subconscious mind help us make the dream happen. 4. Form A Support Team Enroll people in your dream who can help you attain it. Many people find it difficult the accept help. They think they should be able to do everything themselves or that they will feel obligated to someone for their assistance. Remember, no person is an island. No one has all the answers and there are many unique ways to pay someone back. Find support early in the process and your journey will be much more fun and rewarding! 5. Keep Score Keep track of your progress and decide if where you are now is where you projected you would be. Learn from your successes and failures and determine what you need to work on to achieve your goals. 6. Establish A Baseline The baseline is where you are now; it is your line of scrimmage. With all you have built, now it is time to move forward. If something interrupts your progress, you will need to evaluate what went wrong, make some adjustments, and start moving again. 7. Know Where The Goal Line Is The goal line is your desired outcome. As you focus on the long-term goal, don't forget the short-term goals. Setting and attaining small goals helps give your self-confidence a boost and keeps you motivated to continue plugging toward your long-term goals. 8. Reward Yourself Kudos from others are great, but it is also important to reward yourself. Commit to paper how you will reward yourself when you reach a certain goal and follow through. Take that exotic vacation you have dreamed about or buy something special to remind you of your success. The thrill of the game of life is charting a course, facing challenges head on, and holding someone else's hand along the way. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Either way, when you focus on the big picture and refuse to let past mistakes keep you down, you create a future that is filled with possibility. So live to the fullest in the present moment and make the most of it to achieve your vision.
Jo Condrill's career took her from a part-time job in Texas to a supervisory position in the Pentagon in less than ten years, and she never wore a uniform. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at no charge: http://www.goalminds.com Go here for her stories and guidance Take Charge of Your Life Sign Http://www.goalminds.com/primer.html
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