Free EBook Fridays: WoMen's Literary Cafe

What could be better than free eBooks? How about free eBooks every Friday?

Simply join WoMen's Literary Cafe, and each Friday you will be treated to a couple of free eBooks. The kicker... you will also be joining an amazing group of readers and authors. And don't worry my male writer friends, it is a site for men and women.

The site's founder is Melissa Foster, author of several bestsellers including Come Back to Me which I recently featured here. She is not only a talented author, but she is committed to sharing her knowledge with the writing and reading communities.

If you click on the banner above, it will take you directly to the Free eBook page. But remember, you need to become a member. 

Make sure and check the site often. There's always something interesting going on over there, whether you are a writer or reader... or like me, BOTH.

Happy eBook Friday!

Note: A little birdie told me the site will be changing it's name soon to clear up any misconceptions about men joining. But it'll still be the same great site!

Honest and Respecful Reviews

I'm passionate about books and writing. I love all aspects of creating a story, from the initial idea spark to capturing the words and finally editing them. I'm accepting of wandering muses and sentences that take weeks to get right. I don't know which came first, my love of reading or writing. They are so intertwined.

One of the many things I gained through publishing my own novel was an immense appreciation for writers. It's not easy to stay with that creative spark and see it all the way to a published novel. I have great admiration and respect for the hard work and determination required to see a book through to the end.

All of that being said, some books are not successful. There are many reasons: the story is weak or ill paced, the characters are one-dimensional and lack rooting value, there's such an extreme need for editing I can't get to the meat of the story, etc.

As a reader, I also take responsibility. Sometimes a book just doesn't speak to me. Is it my frame of mind? Would I like it if I put it aside and read it years later? Did it come with such a high set of expectations (thanks to other critics or friend recommendations) that it couldn't possibly deliver?

I review books here and on my Mom in Love with Fiction blog. I pride myself on finding the positive in most every book. I truly believe every book teaches us something, even if it's just teaching us what we do NOT like.

I recently joined WoMen's Literary Cafe Review team. As an independently published author myself, I want to give back to my writing community and review independent and small press books. Plus, there are some great gems to be mined in these books.

Unfortunately, one of the books I just read for them underwhelmed me. I am struggling with writing a review that will point out the positive while also being honest and forthright with readers. I want to honor the author's efforts while also providing input that might help them succeed with future efforts.

Ultimately, I want readers to respect my reviews and know I will be honest and fair. Not all books are four and five star efforts.

To be fair, there are many books (and movies) I end up loving that were panned by critics. I hope all readers will remember that reviews are opinions. Reviewers can be wrong, and I'm more than happy to be wrong when I give a one or two star review. I hope there are readers out there that will appreciate something in the piece that I missed.

How much does a review sway your decision to buy a book?

When I review, I like to err on the side of positive feedback. I give many more five star reviews than one star reviews. But, I don't pad it. If a book really deserves a more critical review, I feel responsible to be honest. If I read a review blog that only gives high ratings, I don't trust them as much.

Nobody loves all books equally. I try to save my five stars for the truly stellar books. I like to average in the three to four range.

Which do you respect more, a reviewer who gives more five or one star reviews?

Blog Tour: Come Back to Me, Melissa Foster

My love of words comes from years of reading. Few things make me happier than reading a good book. Even better, knowing the author cares about her readers and fellow writers.

One such author is Melissa Foster. This past November, I read her newest novel, Come Back To Me. It's a pleasure to share more about Melissa and her wonderful book with you today.

*****

From Melissa’s website: Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

When I think about this book, I still get overcome with emotion. I read this book in two evenings. The last evening I was clutching my IPad, tears streaming down my face, until past midnight. I couldn’t put it down. I needed to be with Tess until the end.

There’s so much I want to tell readers, but so little I want to give away. From the first page, we are thrown into Tess Johnson’s life, a vibrant woman who has just found out she’s pregnant and soon discovers her husband is presumed dead. She fights desperately to hold onto him, refusing to believe he’s gone.

The reader knows he’s alive and trying to get back to her, but it’s her desperation and heartache driving the story. Her husband, Beau, is in a foreign land, facing challenges he can only begin to understand. The family he encounters there deserves freedom, and I felt for them and their struggles, but I wanted him to make it home to Tess. He survived a helicopter crash, but could he survive the escape to freedom?

My heart ached through every phase of Tess’s grieving process. Two friends stuck with her through everything: Kevin, Beau’s best friend, and Alice, her co-worker and best friend. Their mutual affection brings them together, ultimately in a way they weren’t expecting. A new friend, a potential client named Louie, enters the picture and helps Tess move forward.

The ending is exhilarating and heartbreaking. We journey through Beau’s trek home and Tess coming to grips with reality only to be thrust into them finding their way back together. The results are not cookie cutter or expected. No simple running into his arms. When they come back together, nothing will ever be the same again.

Melissa Foster crafts such a fine story woven around people we can relate to and care about, that you trust where she takes you.

Every reader defines a good book differently. But if you rate yours based on memorable characters who pull you into the pages with them, like I do, this is the book for you.  

Rating: 5 stars

Please note: I read this book as an ARC and will be participating in the blog tour, but in no way was a positive review guaranteed or asked for. My opinion is just that, mine.

From Melissa's Amazon page: Melissa Foster is the bestselling, award-winning author of three novels, Megan's Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, and anthology. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and the WoMen's Literary Cafe. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan's Way.

I am the proud owner of Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda, and I can't wait to read them. Melissa is not only a talented writer, she's someone who wants to build up other writers and give back to readers. She seems to have boundless energy! Please check out WoMen's Literary Cafe for first looks at amazing indie books.

And now, enjoy the Come Back to Me video:

In the Mighty Words of King: ROW 80 Goals

I barely know what to do with myself on Wednesdays and Sundays when A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) takes a break. Luckily, it’s time to start again. ROW80 is the “writing challenge that knows you have a life.” But it doesn't mean life gets to be an excuse.

And my apologies… this post is a day late, but for good reason. Yesterday I hosted my fellow ROW80 writer, Elizabeth Ann West, here. She talked about resolutions and gave away copies of her book. If you missed it, check out the post. It’s a tour, so you can still get copies on other stops.

I recently finished reading Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I will post a detailed review soon. For now, I want to share how he influenced me:

Good Writers Read. I’ve always believed this, but King drove home the point. To that end, I have upped my reading goals as defined below.

Write Every Day. King says he writes every day except Christmas and his birthday, but quickly admits the truth. He writes even then. I admire this kind of work ethic. He reminded me that the words may suck, but you have to get them down.

He also convinced me to finally succumb and read one of his books. I received 11/22/63: A Novel for Christmas, so it will be my first King.

I’m also committed to growing my freelance work, both in writing and editing, and writing frequent blog posts here and on my Mom in Love with Fiction blog.

Did I mention I’m a ROW80 sponsor? This is my second sponsor gig in a row. I love it. It’s another way to meet some wonderful writers and learn, learn, learn.

But let’s get to it, the meat of the matter.

MY GOALS

Writing – I will write 500 words minimum daily. Thanks Stephen King and Kait Nolan. This is my “test mile” as Kait so eloquently explained here. If I get 500 words and nothing’s falling into place, I still have 500 words and I tried. I’m hoping for more, but I want to write daily and stick to it, so I’m starting small.

Blogging – Daily here (thanks to BlogHer’sNaBloPoMo and the Ultimate Blog Challenge) and three times a week at Mom inLove with Fiction. This writing will not count toward my 500 goal, but I do think it’s beneficial. I also owe Kait Nolan a ROW80 sponsor post this week!

Reading – I’m committed to more reading, because I know it makes me a better writer. To that end, I have joined the 2012 To BeRead (TBR) Pile Challenge, and I plan to join a couple more before the end of January. I’m still weighing my options, but I’ll be posting updates by Sunday’s check in. Plus, in addition to reviewing for Rebecca’s Reads, I’ll also be a part of the WoMen’s Literary Café Review Team.

Editing – I will edit a minimum of one chapter a day on various projects. I am doing freelance editing, and I need to stay on top of it. I love to edit, but it sometimes hampers my own writing (editing too much instead of letting the words flow). Maybe by focusing daily on editing other people’s work, I’ll shake the need to edit my own… for now.

Exercise – Daily, some form. It’s New Year’s resolution time after all. And sugar, you’ve wormed your way back into my diet… good-bye!

Finally, my ultimate goal… lean in close and don’t tell too many people… we will publish our follow up to Depression Cookies this year. Notice will, not want to. And now that I’ve told you, you’ll keep me honest. Right?

Wishing you all the best on your goals. Let’s kick it in 2012!

Visit the other fine ROW80 participants listed below:

After-Christmas Sales: Finding the Bargains

The time honored tradition of heading out after Christmas to amazing sales has diminished in a poor economy. In some ways, this is great because the deals run all the time since retailers are desperate to bring in much-needed sales. Still, I was extremely disappointed in the lack of deals during Black Friday this year. The sales were less than stellar, and certainly not worth the effort of heading out at midnight on Thanksgiving day.

Everybody in my house had a wonderful Christmas. We certainly do not need to run out and find great deals but we do have gift cards to use. My parents used to give me money on Christmas day, so I could shop the after-Christmas sales and get more clothes (all I wanted in the teen years). Well, I also wanted a cute boy to like me, but Santa never seemed to take those requests seriously. Maybe Santa's like the genie in Aladdin... no wishing for love.

More than anything, I'm looking forward to spending the next week with my three girls and husband. Everybody has the whole week off. I've written posts ahead and stocked a couple of book reviews in anticipation. Walking around a crowded mall will just add to the memories. Although I'm sure my husband disagrees.

For all of you who enjoy after-Christmas bargains, check out The Year of the Indie Celebration sponsored by WoMen's Literary Cafe. From December 24 through December 31, over 100 authors and 100 books are featured. If you buy three eBooks, you get one free. Please see the site for details.

I know Kindles were on a lot of people's lists, so it's time to fill them up at a bargain.

Showing Gratitude As 2011 Draws to a Close

2011 has been an amazing year for me. Thanks to the wonderful writing and reading community, I have learned so much about the craft.

I wanted to express my gratitude in a fun way. Writers are:

Generous: It never fails to amaze me how giving authors and readers are. They are generous with their knowledge and their support.

Resilient: A true writer writes. They don’t let a less than stellar review or any other obstacle keep them from the craft.

“It is impossible to discourage the real writers—they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write.”  Sinclair Lewis

They give a damn and process input, but you can’t stop the truly passionate writer.

Aware: Every moment in life adds to a writer’s story bank. Living life is invaluable.

Teachers: When they find out new information, they pass it on. They don’t covet knowledge, instead they use blogs to pass on what they are learning in this ever-changing industry.

Inspirational: The support from my writer friends keeps me going. When I have a bad writing week or stumble through parts of my story, they are there to encourage and give me that much-needed push in the right direction.

Thankful: The writing community loves readers. We know without fellow book lovers, our jobs would be less rewarding.

Unbridled: Writers access their heart and passionately release it through words.

“Words are the voice of the heart.” Confucius

Dedicated:  The writing spirit is contagious, especially when you see people who write through all life's obstacles.

Efficacious: Writers “have the power to produce a desired effect.” Words are the power.

“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” Anaïs Nin

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to thank all my newfound writer friends for their support. You know who you are. And a special thank you to readers, especially those who have read Depression Cookies.

I am particularly grateful for the following writing communities I found this year: Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days, Rachael Harrie’s Writers' Platform-Building Campaign, Michelle Rafter’s Blogathon, the SheWrites community, and Melissa Foster’s WoMen’s Literary Cafe.

The Gift of a Good Book: Shades of Gray, Alan Holloman

Today I'm passing on the gift of a good book and a great deal. As a mom, this book was particularly haunting, because it made me consider how far I would go for one of my children. It's a strong and believable motivator.

I hope you enjoy the review and book event information.

Happy Holidays!

*****

From Amazon:  How far would you go to save your child's life? Could you break the law? What if your travel business was suddenly in danger of going under because of 9/11? A single father decides to partner up with woman from the opposite side of the tracks. Can their partnership deliver the cash they BOTH desperately need? Could they fall in love? And will they survive to see the Summer of 2002?

Shades of Gray, the debut novel from Andy Holloman, examines the depths of a father’s love and the ramifications of desperate choices. John Manning and his daughter, Lucy, are driving home from a nice evening out when their car’s brakes malfunction. What initially seems like bad luck turns into a much darker story.

John hasn’t had it easy. When his wife leaves, his whole world revolves around Lucy. His successful business, a travel agency, is hit hard by the events of September 11, 2001. Then, he finds out his daughter has a rare kidney disease and will need a kidney transplant.

Desperation and fear drive John to extreme limits to save his daughter, especially after a fateful meeting with a former client, Wanda. Wanda loves her daughter and has found a way out of her own personal hell, a way paved with good intentions but criminal actions.

Every action draws the pair deeper into an intricate web of deceit and danger. The reader is compelled to turn each page, but not just to find out what happens next. There’s also an emotional connection to the characters. The twists and turns lead to an unexpected and heartbreaking conclusion.

Shades of a Gray is a must read for anyone who enjoys a captivating thrill ride with emotional investment.

Fun note: I’m from North Carolina, so I thoroughly enjoyed the North Carolina references throughout.

Rating: A very enthusiastic 5 stars.

For more information, please visit the author’swebsite.

Disclaimer: I received this novel as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A good review was not guaranteed or asked for. My opinions are my own.

*****

What’s even better than a 5-star book? A 5-star book for 99 cents. December 13 through December 15, the WoMen’s Literary Café is hosting a Mystery & Christian Fiction Book Launch and 99 Cent Book Event featuring this novel and many others.  

For more information, please click the picture below.

Thank You, Stephen King: Gratitude Guest Post by Carrie Green, Author of Roses are Red

The WoMen's Literary Cafe is very thankful for all the support from readers, bloggers and reviewers during their recent 'Come Back To Me' Book Launch and #99centBookEvent. As a thank you, they organized this Gratitude Blog Hop.

I'm thrilled to be participating and welcome author, Carrie Green. She's written a wonderful post about her draw to the horror genre. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Carrie, for stopping by.

 

Thank You, Stephen King!

As a writer, there are many people that I'd like to thank—readers, of course, are first and foremost.  Thank you for buying my books and for taking the time to post reviews.  Next, like any good acceptance speech, I'd acknowledge family, friends, teachers, and lastly, a shout out to the super supportive community of authors & bloggers that I have discovered online. 

My deepest debt of gratitude, however, actually goes to the horror maestro, Stephen King. 

King was the author, beyond all others, who showcased the versatility of the horror genre to me, which forever shaped my path as a writer.  At an early stage in every writer's career, it becomes necessary to select a genre.  This is the decision which will define you, as an author, and your books, as a product, from that point forward, as you strive to build an audience.

Throughout my childhood, starting around third grade, I was a voracious reader and I devoured my books, en masse by genre.  I went through periods where I read every book that I could find in a specific genre and nothing else, until I grew bored with repetitive themes, characters and plots.  I would then switch to a new genre. 

In this fashion, I went from reading westerns to spy adventures, mysteries, celebrity bios, science fiction, detective, romance and horror novels.  I'd bravely walk past the main librarian's desk, so that I could enter the Adult section (there was one dour old librarian who'd bark that I should stay in the children's area, if she saw me), passionate on my crusade to explore all the different genres.

There were certainly some great books that I encountered—the hard-boiled detective novels of the 1940's were one particular stand-out, but when I finally embraced the Stephen King collection, it was like a shining beacon went on.  I had avoided King, due to reading Carrie at the tender age of eight (since it kept coming up during recess).  That novel was the bane of my adolescence. 

Whenever a prom or school dance was scheduled, some smart mouth would ask if I was intending to run for prom queen and wouldn't it be funny to toss pig's blood at me.  Ha. Ha.  I recall while reading that book my dismay at finding out that Carrie was such a total social outcast.  She had no redeeming traits—no charm, no good looks, no intellect and she hurt the very people who tried to help her. 

I couldn't appreciate, at the time, the tragedy and horror that was being depicted in this tale of bullies, victims, and the not-so-innocent bystanders who allowed this cycle of abuse to continue.  My main take-away was that it would be fool-hardy for me to ever run for prom queen.  I knew that it would be too tempting for my peers.  After reading Carrie, I hated Stephen King.

Only when I was in college, during a writing workshop where other people kept comparing my writing to King's, did I become curious enough to try his books, again.  It was a revelation.  Once I was no longer reading about characters named Carrie, I found him vastly entertaining! 

King showcased for me the endless possibilities, flexibility, and originality of the horror genre.  A villain can be a serial killer (Firestarter), a loving father and husband (The Shining and Pet Sematary), a classic car (Christine) or a clown (It).  Heroes can be just as unexpected—children, an average joe, or even a prisoner on death row as in The Green Mile series. 

One of my favorites from his more recent works has to be the untrustworthy narrator of Blaze, a petty criminal who kidnaps a baby, who is both the hero and the villain in the novel.  It's an elegant exercise on the duality of human nature.  I also adore Misery.  It is both a great horror novel and a wonderful stand-alone romance (in the chapters that resurrect the character of Misery).  I could not imagine a more unlikely genre coupling, but King appeared to pull it off with ease.

I must sincerely thank King for teaching me, through his published works, that the horror genre, above all others, can be any genre.  It offers the greatest flexibility, since horror can be found in any situation and seen through the eyes of any character.  It offers infinite freedom.  I am only limited by my own imagination!

For more information about Carrie and her books, please visit her Amazon Author page.

Today, Wednesday, November 16th only, leave a comment below and receive a FREE copy of Carrie's collection of horror short stories, 'Roses are Red.' Please provide your email address in order to be sent a PDF link as well as a Smashwords code to download your FREE book.  Thanks!

Please visit these other stops on the Gratitude Blog Hop so that you can win additional FREE books:

Rocky Mountain High

Today’s NaBloPoMo prompt: describe a favorite place. Focus on how that place affects your sense of taste, touch, sight, sound, or smell.

Hands down, my favorite place is Colorado. The first location I ever wanted to call home. The community I lived in, near Boulder, was amazing. Great people, convenient, focused on family fun and sports, little to no traffic… great for families. We loved it. Outside the crazy weather patterns from time to time, I dare say it’s almost perfect.

I never thought snow was beautiful until I saw it topping the Rockies. Never one for the outdoors, Colorado quickly changed my mind. The scenery is breathtaking, aided by sun shining 300 days a year.

Most of the sounds and smells are from people gathering. Neighborhood picnics, sporting events, walking along Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, hearing kids play. Rarely were we inside. Even something as simple as a stroll to school took on new meaning, and every day there I gained appreciation for nature and beauty.

Colorado will now be our home away from home, but a home just the same.

Is there a place that beckons your senses, calls you home?

 *****

Please stop by tomorrow, November 16th, to participate in the Gratitude Blog Hop. The WoMen’s Literary Cafe wants to thank all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers for their support during the ‘Come Back To Me’ book launch and 99 cent event. Tomorrow, for one day only, several authors will be offering FREE eBooks.

I am honored to host Carrie Green tomorrow with a wonderful guest post: Thank you, Stephen King! Carrie writes horror stories from the "female perspective, it's the person sitting across from you at the dining room table that can wreck your life--not some movie monster."

For more information, please visit The WoMen’s Literary Cafe website.