Or what about a Blogspot post? I use the title with a link to the post.
Why?Because I’m a control freak. I like to know what my post will look like once it’s published. Plus I like to control when my post hits the web.
Here’s one of my little videos to explain the process.
So what do you think?
Will this help you share more blog posts, or not?
Any tips or shortcuts you use to reblog?
I’d love to hear from you, let me know how you’re doing! Leave a comment or click the “write me” tab or look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.
Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
I had no idea a soundtrack could be added to an ebook. Who knew? Probably all of y’all, I’m usually the last to hear about all of this new-fangled techie stuff. But this is so way cool.
Will I use it? Not sure.
Why? Because when I pick up a book I like to shut out the world around me. I don’t enjoy listening to music or multi-tasking when I read. I prefer a quiet room or my porch on a warm sunny day.
Now my grandkids are different. The teenagers in our family enjoy reading with music blaring through headphones attached to their ears. To me, that’s a distraction.
However, I can remember a time when I did homework listening to the radio so maybe it’s not so different. Music comforts us, romance and relaxation.
And music is important to storytelling. Without music, movies would be boring.
But fiction writers can’t rely on music to create the tension or sounds to show a motor, river or a moving object. Or can we?
Ever heard of Booktrack?
Well, I hadn’t until now. Wow, seems I’m always the last to know the latest new fangled software.
I learned this program can add a movie soundtrack to your ebook. Is your hero drowning? Add the sounds of a rushing river. Need to add fear and tension? You can add a music score worthy of an Oscar. With sound, the writer can use sound to convey what’s happening instead of words to make reading the scene richer and more like a movie.
I learned that I could add background noise during character dialog. Such as glasses clinking, a door closing or a gun shot this takes writing to a whole different level.
This program can turn your novel or novella into a screenplay.
Is this the way of the future?
I’m not sure how much this will catch on but I think there is definitely a place for the technology.
And I’m not talking about purchasing reviews – those are BAD, forbidden, illegal, and just plain wrong.
No, I’m asking if you think reader reviews are so important that you give away copies to get reviews, hoping the reviews will be good. There is always a chance some readers won’t like your style.
She said, “Simply put, if I can’t find a review for a book there is a 99% chance I will not purchase it.” Click on the above link and read why she says as a librarian good reviews are a must have.
First and foremost begin early!
As I mentioned in my last post I failed to market my book before it was published. I didn’t seek reviews before publication. Seek out professional organizations and authors in your genre that might be willing to read your book. But, begin at least 2 months before the launch date. Don’t make my mistakes.
So how to get a review?
Ask your friends to buy and read your book.
Ask them to give an honest review.
Pray, hope, rub your lucky charm for a good review.
Repeat steps 1-3.
Yes, it’s a lot of work. I know, believe me. But I’ve not landed an agent to do the work for me, nor have I the money to hire a marketing agency so I’m plodding along.
Anyone have any good ideas out there for obtaining more reader reviews please share them! We would all love to know your secret.
Here are a few places to wet your feet with a short story, flash fiction or an article. So go on and show your stuff. Then let us know where to click and read.
Mash Stories deadline for next contest submission is 15th October 2015
A flash fiction Flash500 competition where the prize money truly reflects the skill required to encapsulate an entire story in just 500 words. Next closing is 31st of December.
Writers’ Village contest deadline is midnight GMT 30th November 2015
For various publications, be sure and check outNewPages.
I’ve been so busy with my book, I haven’t had a lot of time for contests and articles. However, I’m thinking it might be time to get back in the groove.
What about you? Do you have several works in process at one time or are you single-minded with each project?
You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share. Thank you! If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Jean's Writing 