Reviews: The Bread & Butter of Indie Authors

How often do you write a review for the books you read? If you do, where do you post them? Do you manage a personal blog for reviews, or do you share them on Amazon & GoodReads, etc?

How much do you rely on reviews on those websites for a book you want to purchase? Do negative reviews influence your purchasing decisions for books?

Before I became an author, I was an avid reader (still am). But in my hectic life, I didn’t get around to writing a review about a book I loved. Definitely a shame. In fact, I was one of those readers who only posted a review if the book irritated me. As a way to ward off other readers from purchasing the book and feeling the same way. Honestly, I didn’t write that many negative reviews at all. But it was the only time I felt compelled to write one.

Now as an author, I realized my method of writing reviews was completely wrong.

Positive reviews were far more powerful than any negative one I ever wrote. I should have written many more to thank the author for such an awesome and compelling story.

Little did I know at the time that was the best way to thank an author.

For Indie authors like myself, getting our name out there is extremely difficult, especially with so many other awesome writers out there. It’s hard to set ourselves apart. Don’t get me wrong, I love that there are so many incredible stories and characters out there. It’s never been a better time for readers. Each book you pick up is more and more likely to amaze you. You have so many ‘favorite’ authors in your book piles now.

The coveted 5 Star review

But how can we entice readers to pick up a book written by an unknown author?

The resounding answer I keep getting is:

Reviews.

Theoretically speaking, the more reviews a book has, the more likely a reader is willing to buy it (trusting the positive reviews.) Therefore, the more it plays into Amazon’s secret algorithm for visibility. The more reviews, the more 3^rd party promotional sites are willing to display your covers. The better placement novels get on website rankings such as B&N Nook, iBooks, etc. Thereby equating to more sales. Then generating more reviews on top of it. It's a beautiful circle.

I’m not going to touch on Amazon’s new review policy or the controversy around it, because that’s a whole monster on its own.

But I want to hear from you. How much stock do you put on reviews? Are there some sites you trust more than others for reviews?

Let me know your thoughts.

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women's fiction. Her latest series features royals on the run, in Royals of Solana. Water plays a crucial element in all of her stories, and she's a strong advocate for Autism Awareness and acceptance. Forced to give up Diet Coke, she now functions on massive amounts of french vanilla coffee. Susan lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys. Follow her at www.SusanSheehey.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

NATIVE AMERICAN MOTHERHOOD -- A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

By Mary A. Adair

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Motherhood within Native American culture is a fascinating microcosm of the culture itself. It encompasses a unique mix of nurturing and independence that prepares their children for both a celebration of life’s forthcoming blessings and the promise of a less than forgiving world with its fair share of challenges.

There was a time when Native American mothers kept their children close to them by tying them in a sling to their bodies and carrying on with their daily duties, whether it be retrieving beans and berries for dinner or gathering wood for fire. However, modern society has crept in and has chipped away at that simple way of life; some Native American mothers have gone from breastfeeding to bottled milk. But, the cultural tapestry woven by the women before them remains key in how Native American mothers preside over their families.

For Native Americans, tribal identity is very important and is a key factor in the personal development of their children. Women are the stewards of this tradition. They play a key role in an extended family system that’s defined in terms of household composition which includes the mother, father, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Within this setup, the mother of the household is responsible for setting a tone of assistance and nurturing.  Grandmothers play the role of teacher by way of storytelling.

FAMILY VALUES

The values of loyalty, respect for elders, humility, giving and sharing, avoidance of personal glory, and love of the land is taught by the mother.  Native Americans have respect for nature and believe in working with nature rather than fighting it or trying to control it. Native American mothers regard children as beloved gifts.  Rather than likening children to chores or people who must be controlled at all costs, these mothers genuinely enjoy caring for and playing with their children. 

This lays the groundwork for their children’s’ value systems. Responsibility, courage, patience, optimism, and contentment is also reinforced. 

CHILD REARING ENVIRONMENT

Children are typically reared and socialized in an atmosphere that exposes them to a large number of family members - parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.  Not only does the mother provide child rearing, but also aunts and grandmothers. Grandparents – especially the grandmothers - tell the children stories about their heritage so that cultural beliefs and values are passed on.

Mothers set a tone of autonomy so as to allow children to learn to make their own decisions. Developmental milestones are treated with a sense of laxity. For example, it would be unusual to find a Native American parent working with their child with flash cards in an effort to encourage the child to be an early reader. Children are seen as unique individuals who develop at their own pace. Native American parents permit their children to develop in their own time and with minimal rules. The belief is that attempting to guide or control behavior of another individual is disrespectful. That’s not to say that discipline is nonexistent in Native American families. Correct conduct is taught to children via ceremonies and direct or indirect instruction by parents, extended family, tribal elders, or traditional healers. Positive reinforcement is used to teach children.

MORE THAN JUST HOMEMAKERS

Though there’s been an evolution away from some Native American traditions, the overall spirit of those traditions still remain. It’s important to understand some of these traditions to get a sense of where these women – mothers – get their unique sense of family values.

The importance of women in Native American culture is apparent when you consider that beyond being mother to their tribes’ children, they were farmers, craftswomen, builders and even warriors. This required a strength that was essential to the survival of their tribes and their children.

It wasn’t uncommon for women to gather materials and build homes for everyone. In most tribes, women were considered owners of the homes in which they lived.  Also, Native American mothers would help their men hunt buffalo, then skin, cut and cook them.  Native American women were not only homemakers. The made tools and weapons, served as medicine women. Many tribes considered women to have more healing power with a special connection to the spirit world. They cared for their children and husbands.

Today, the granddaughters of these women are now mothers of their own. She is the provider, nurturer, mother, counselor and she is the spiritual and medical healer to her children and tribe much like the mothers of the past.

Motherhood within Native American culture is both sweet and complex. It involves the wearing of many hats and the expending of much time. But, these women would not have it any other way as this is what keeps them tied to their beloved traditions and one with their spirit. Form them, family is about emotional support, mutual aid, respect, affection and deference and respect given to their husbands and their extended families.

ABC--Always Be Creative (While trying to get over the death of Prince)

By the time this posts, it will have been about 2 weeks since I cried for the first time over the death of a celebrity. But for me it wasn’t just a celebrity—it was my childhood.

I followed the drama of Vanity and Prince before it became cool to merge the names together. I wonder if it would be Vince or Panity? Hmmm. 

I equate my love for Price around the time that I decided to stop being childish and playing with childish things (Barbie went on the shelf). I went from a kid to a young lady. Maybe “lady” is a bit of a stretch. Let’s go back to the beginning. I was new to town and cute (if I do say so myself). I went from playing Barbie to being the most-hated girl in school. I was suddenly a “hoe” or “ho”… (Whatever).

Prince came into my life and helped me through this time. I embraced being the tawdry one in school. Prince introduced me to dirty lyrics. Prince brought out the dirty side in me.

My older step-sister had the album (yes, I did say album)

1999. When I first heard-- Let’s Pretend We’re Married! Whew! I thought I was the coolest thing in the world for knowing those lyrics.  I introduced my friends to that song.

We all sat around and tried to guess how old we would be in 1999. We were all going to drive a little red corvette.

Then comes this movie, Purple Rain. According to my friends, I looked like Apollonia. So I embraced that. I wore laced gloves. I feathered my hair like hers (as much as one could with curly hair).

I studied the Purple Rain videos that were released. Then when it came time for the movie to be released, my parents banned me from watching it. The horror. I had to listen to my friends ... the friends *I* introduced to Prince go on and on about this movie. I could quote it before even seeing it. But when my grandmother passed away a few weeks later, my step-sister bought me tickets to go see it with a friend and took us there. (She had a party at the house that weekend as well, so I’m pretty sure that was a bribe).

To this day whenever I meet someone from Minnesota, I wonder if they’ve purified themselves in Lake Minnetonka. 

(And if the person has no idea what I’m talking about, yes.. I do judge them!)

By 1986, my wild side landed me at boarding school. Prince followed. Kiss-reminds me of high school years. Young and fun.

I remember Diamonds and Pearls, and the guy I used to date. Did we want to have a boy or a girl?

Ahh all the sweet love stories I wrote to that song.

Need to write a love scene and you’re stuck? Pop in Orgasm. It’s not that long, but you get the point.

I could go on and on about how his songs touched me and motivated me. Yes, I said motivated. I learned from Prince the ABC to life. Always-Be-Creating.

So with that being said, I’m going to get back to my Prince music and my 3 books I was contracted for (yay).

New book alert for the over-40 women who need romance in their lives. 

After a messy divorce and Kate Braswell is left with the decision to change her life, starting with the big sacrifice of going back to school. The last thing this nontraditional student needs is to fall in love—especially with the teacher.

A Portrait of Serendipity

Don't forget, if you like (or don't) a book---

Take care for now! 

~Carolyn

The Bachelor and the Beauty Queen

The Magic of Mistletoe

Mr. & Mrs. Rossi

Available for pre-order His Southern Sweetheart

I Love Books and Readers! 10th Anniversary Shindig #western #books #readersevent

Right up there at the top of my Grateful List is... READERS!  So I'm having a doin's to show my appreciation to all those who've bought and read my books.  And it's gonna be a fun one.

2016 is my tenth anniversary!  I can't believe my first book (now out of print) was published ten years ago this month.  Over the years, I've met some wonderful people--loyal readers who've been with me throughout my journey.  Truth is, we all traveled the road together.  Then there are the new readers who've joined the fun, and brought their friends along.  I ♥ you all.

So what do you do for your tenth anniversary?  Party!

Please join me and my friends at

Much Ado About Silver City

June 17 – 19, 2016

Silver City, Idaho

Much Ado About Silver City Registration Form

We're gonna have a down home knee-slapping good time with lawmen, robbers, madams, and all manner of characters.  You want cowboys?  We have the real deal.

Music?  We have the Paxton family.  Their playlist includes everything from Beatles music to Little Brown Jug.

You want authenticity?  The Idaho Hotel is a genuine for real western boom town hotel, and it's as authentic as you'll ever find.

You want books?  We'll have several other authors there, and a book signing on Saturday.
Special guest: Ann Charles!

Rooms: Book your room as soon as possible, because if they’re all booked, we get the run of the entire hotel! If no one answers the phone, call again. The owners do all the work themselves so they miss calls sometimes. 208-583-4104 Winter months (now): 208-863-4768.

Meals: You can bring your own food (campers might opt to do this) or the Idaho Hotel has a full service restaurant. If you have special dietary needs, please inform the owners at least two weeks ahead of time (but if you make a request, please order it during your stay). There is no corner grocery store, so if you don’t let them know, it won’t be available.

Camping: Chelle Gluch will coordinate the campers, so if you need help, let her know by Facebook message.

There will be time Saturday morning for trail rides and historical tours.

Trail rides: Book through Paul Nettleton. http://www.historicsilvercityidaho.com/sinkercreekoutfitters.html

Historic tours: Chelle Gluch will guide a tour of the surrounding area for a nominal fee. There may be other tour guides as well. Go to the Facebook event page for updates. https://www.facebook.com/events/1635700133371729/

Shopping: Yes, there’s shopping! You can find oodles of great items (including the Hearts of Owyhee series) in Pat’s What Not shop. http://www.historicsilvercityidaho.com/patswhatnotshop.html

Keep up with Jacquie Rogers' latest news at the
Pickle Barrel Gazette!

Hearts of Owyhee series

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Pickle Barrel Gazette

Romancing The West | Pickle Barrel Bar and Books

HOW I DO WHAT I DO

It’s that time again… time for the plotting group of which I’m a part to meet. This is a wonderful event in which Geri Foster, Sylvia McDaniel, Kathy Shaw, and I participate. In addition to helping flesh out plots, the retreat gives me a burst of enthusiasm, rekindles my fire, and is a lot of fun.

When we first began meeting, we went to a hotel for our plotting retreat. This was productive. We laugh a lot, though, as we work and we stay up late and rise early. We craved privacy so we didn’t bother anyone and no one bothered us.  

View from the house we rent
for our plotting retreat --
of course we're inside working 

Now four of us go to a lovely lakeside house and sequester ourselves for several days and nights. We arrive with our plots in mind and the main characters detailed. What we work on are the turning points and the conflict that keeps the couple from achieving a happily-ever-after.  

Using a plotting board and Post-it notes, we take turns brainstorming new books. This is not a lark, by the way. Yes, adult beverages may be served, but not many. We work about sixteen hours a day or more as we take turns plotting books. By the time we leave, each of us will have several books outlined and ready to write.

Pink for heroine, blue for hero, etc.

Do we have to have a retreat to write? No, of course not. Each of us has been writing more years than we care to admit, but we believe brainstorming and mapping out our plots together creates a better book. When we get home and write each book, we may take detours on our outline/map, but we will stick to the basic plot we’ve outlined at the retreat.

Many writers are what we call “pantsers”—they write by the seat of their pants. A basic kernel of an idea is all they need to write. I have tried writing without an outline. My writing wanders around and sags in the middle unless I have a well-planned outline to follow.

Readers most likely don’t know whether the writer is a plotter or a pantser and probably don’t care. Certainly when I’m reading I only want the book to intrigue me and deliver a solid story. For us, the retreat helps us deliver the best books we can and turn them out faster than if we plotted on our own. The adult beverages probably enhance our ideas.

Writing is the best job ever!

Down the Conference Road by Suzanne Rossi

Hi everyone! Nice to be back.

Today I'd like to talk about conferences. Writers' conferences are a wonderful way to keep up with the latest trends in publishing and to network with other authors. I've always learned something from every one I've attended. And a great place to network is in the bar. Sometimes that's where the best discussions take place. Personally, I like to find a group of writers I don't know, ask if I can join them, and then just talk--about the industry, specific books/authors, or anything that comes to mind. Same with conference luncheons and dinners. I choose a table, sit, and let the good times roll.

I had a wonderful interaction with a publisher at my first conference this way. I later pitched to her. She requested the first three chapters and a synopsis. I was thrilled. She later sent it back, but instead of the usual rejection, she told me what to do to make it better. No one had ever taken the time to do that before. I made the changes to the best of my ability at that time and resubmitted as requested. It was still rejected, but I will forever be grateful to Helen Rich of Medallion Press.

The hardest part about conferences is choosing which one to attend. I try to get to one a year or however many my budget will allow. Conferences are expensive to put on and to attend. Since I live in South Florida, I usually fly. Hotel rooms are discounted, but conference fees are going up. And of course, any food outside of the conference is extra. So, I've put together a list of conferences I think are worth the time and money to attend.

First up is the Georgia Romance Writers, Moonlight and Magnolias, held every year in Atlanta. This is a large conference--usually around two hundred to two hundred-fifty attendees. I'll be honest, I love going to this one. The people are warm and friendly and the conference is run like a well-oiled machine. The workshops have something for everyone. Those new to writing can find seminars to help with characters, plot, and writing in general, while the published author can home in on marketing and promotion suggestions. I'm going this year at the end of September.

Next is Florida Romance Writers, Fun in the Sun--Cruise with Your Muse, conference. It's held once every two years and yes, it does take place on a cruise ship! Now before you cringe at the thought of how much it will cost, remember that all meals are included, and the cruise line will offer discounts on several types of cabins. Also, the fee for this one is more than reasonable. Just imagine four days in the Caribbean with a destination of Cozumel as the highlight of your trip--not to mention all those workshops. Certainly something to think about.

I'm adding Sleuthfest to my list, too. It's run by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and takes place every year in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. If you write romantic suspense, this might be a good alternative to the usual romance oriented conferences. It's big--anywhere from two hundred-fifty to three hundred attendees, but it's well organized and their speakers are often headlining the NYT bestseller list. Once again, workshops take in the range of all levels of experience and the extra-curricular activities are so much fun!

Romance Writers of America sponsors a yearly get-together, too. It's simply called Nationals and is held in different regions of the country. I believe this year it's in San Diego in July. This conference is huge--the numbers can run into the thousands, but it's an experience every author should have before they hang up the old pen. Where else would you get the change to rub shoulders with the likes of Nora Roberts or Heather Graham?

Hey, wait a minute, you say. I don't write, I just love to read. Well, I've got a couple of conferences for you, too.

For starters, there's Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, also known as RT. It is a huge conference dedicated to letting the readers interact with their favorite authors. A few workshops are thrown in, but by and large, this is one massive party lasting almost a week. I'm not sure where the 2017 affair will be held, but RT just concluded the 2016 conference in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

And speaking of Las Vegas, how about the Hot Mojave Knights conference held in that city every year? It's RT on a much smaller scale. I attended in it's inaugural year and had a blast, but then who doesn't have a blast in Vegas? My former editor is highly involved with this one and I'm ashamed to say the timing hasn't been right for me to get back. But I'm definitely working on it.

For more information concerning dates, fees, and hotel accommodations for these and other conferences, Google the sites.

If any of you decide to attend, let me know and we can meet in the bar! LOL.

Have a great day.

Suzanne Rossi

Muskrat Love

Kind of a belated Earth Day post. My beautiful Shenandoah Valley has been threatened lately by a big bad forest fire. We are deeply grateful for the diligent firefighters who are getting on top of the blaze. Thank heavens, some much needed rain is moving into our area. Finally. We didn't get those April showers you hear songs about.

I've had to drag the long hose around the garden every darn day to water the many wildflower seeds I've sown, and my salad patch. The seedlings are at the newly emerged stage when moisture is essential. I didn't have to go around with the hose yesterday or today and am praying for more rain. When you're a gardener and a farmer--I'm both--you rely heavily on Mother Nature.

Even during a drought/forest fire, I've noted forecasters would rather cut off their arm than promise us anything but fair weather over the sacred weekends. Get in touch with nature, people.

(Image above of the valley in spring taken several years ago by my mom.)

Meanwhile, life on our farm pond goes on. Meadow larks trill from the grass. Geese, ducks, swans, and now muskrats are all busy with their spring rituals. This generally involves egg laying and peeping offspring. I've spotted goslings. Ducklings appear a little later. No baby muskrats yet, but the adults are nesting. The swans come and go, so we don't think they have a nest. They are new arrivals on our pond this spring. Refugees, actually. Believe it or not, swan are under attack in Virginia for being too aggressive when nesting. So are geese. We just give them a wide berth.

(Look closely for the muskrat.)

(Swan with ducklings. My DH took these pics.)

(Daughter Elise got this shot of the goslings)

I find abundant inspiration in nature, and set many of my stories in our misty mountains. My new YA series, The Secret Warrior, is set there. On a clear day, I can see the Alleghenies from our farm. The ridges roll endlessly to the west. We're only miles from the foothills. Hop in the car, and we're there. The Blue Ridge are a little farther to the east. From the tall hill where some friends live, the mountain ranges surrounding our lovely valley are visible in every direction. A spectacular panoramic view.

Without the abundant life around me, I don't know what I'd write. I'm a gardener/nature lover and an author. The two hold hands.

Hubby took a video of the muskrat and other wildlife on our pond. A morning radio program is going in the background, but you can still hear geese and bird calls. I tried and tried to get the video to load here but it refused. I put it on FB: Author Beth Trissel.

Go out and plant something, or put in a water garden, bird feeder, or whatever brings more life to your bit of earth.

Breaking news! After about six hours I got the video on YouTube.