Compulsion by Kymberlee Burks-Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compulsion is a simple read in that you don't have to have a dictionary next to you to understand it. That makes it easy to sink into it with ease and allows the reader to experience the different layers of the characters.


The story opens with Lily losing her grandma and from there she is whisked into a world of magic she doesn't quite fully understand. The entire levity of the opening scene really pulled at my heart strings and made me appreciate the depth Lilly had, from the start.


I love the way author Kymberlee Burks-Miller added the details of the characters and the surroundings and the many layers she added to not just one but all her characters, thus making it easy to know who was speaking and able to actually picture them.


The world of magic mixed with vampires is not a new concept, however she was able to bring fresh life to that world and make it her own. Bravo on that.


The one thing I loved most about this book was the message of family unity and how it never seemed to be the last thing on the characters minds and hearts. In a society filled with brother against brother and sister against sister, it is nice to see that the main theme of this novel for the YA crowd is all about maintaining the unity of the family.


I look forward to allowing my daughter to read this book and can't wait to read what she has coming in the future. Bravo on your debut novel!! It is amazing!!








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Accountable to None

Accountable to None by Ashley Fontainne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ashley Fontainne has written a thriller that takes you on a roller coaster ride. Accountable to None starts off with the rape and beating of Audra, the main character. She then sets off to exact her revenge. Enter Olin, this character makes my skin crawl and makes me want to smack him. He is mean to the core and as selfish as they come.

The whole of the story I was amazed to learn that everyone was basically afraid of Olin. Though as a person I could see why. He wouldn't and didn't have any problems cutting you to the bone in any and all directions he deems necessary.

There are heartfelt moments when it comes to Audra and for a while I thought for sure she might even crack under the pressure of all she had been through. From the very start of the novel, her character pulled at my heart strings and made me cheer for her in her actions. The whole of this novel is fought with emotions that can only be described as getting to the soul of a being.

Yes I know I have said little about the plot, needless to say, there are as many twists and turns in this thrill ride that will have you wondering what more can Audra go through. Also there is a great mystery that I will not share with you. You're going to have to purchase the book to find out what that is. Needless to say, the mystery will make you want to hide yourself under your covers as Ashely weaves the tale of the past with what's happening in the present.

I know without a doubt that we are going to be thrilled by whatever Ashley comes up with next!!



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Mary Ting's EVENT for Crossroads and Between

Author Mary Ting was on hand for a book event in Fullerton California on January 21st for both novels of her beautiful and romantic stories from the Crossroads Saga.

As you can see from the sign that was made by her fellow teachers and students, the entire community was proud to support her. She has a kind heart and it shows in her writing. Her first book, Crossroads was inspired by her late grandma who inspired gamma in the first book, Crossroads. The main character Claudia falls in love with arch angel Michael. This is where the beauty of the story begins.

As any writer will tell you, the thrill of the occasion, no matter how many people show, comes in the connections made. "Meeting my fans from facebook site.. who drove from a far to come and see me... I was like wow!!! You drove all the way to see me.  And also my dance team teacher from high school and a few high school friends who knew I would be there... the power of internet. I also had the most wonderful experience because my family, friends, teachers and parents were there to support me :)"  stated Mary after the event.

The connections we make as writers are ones that last a lifetime. We often share our very souls when we are writing and through the stories we tell, we give of ourselves. However what we receive is so much greater from each person who reads our works. Over the course of the last few months I have been able to get to know Mary as a person as well as a writer. It isn't hard to see such beauty in the shadows between the pages because she gives so much to those around her.

With such dedication, not only as a teacher to all the students who's lives she touches, it is no wonder that the event turned into a huge success. With passion, Mary shares her characters. She has the same passion as a teacher, mom and friend. When asked what she would change, Mary simply replied, "I can't think of anything I would change. To me it was perfect because of all the support I had. I also made sure to have cards that had my information, like my email and facebook sites, just in case they wanted to contact me."

For all you do, Mary, I hope that you receive as much as you give. You have beautiful stories to tell and I'm looking forward to book 3 of the Crossroads Saga.

CROSSROADS
Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. There, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn't her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should? The answer awaits you! Follow the exciting path to Crossroads! "Crossroads is a lovely, heartwarming story about young love and hope. It is a wonderful escape into the world of an ordinary girl, an extraordinary love, and the forces of evil that try to keep them apart. We loved it!" -Michelle De La Vara, Owner of http://www.inspiredbytwilight.com/




BETWEEN BOOK 2 OF THE CROSSROADS SAGA 


As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?


It has been a joy getting to know you both as a writer and a friend. The inspiration and joy you bring to the world is amazing and I can't wait to see what you come up with in the next book. Thank you for everything you have done for myself as well as so many others. Your light is a beacon in the dark. 

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Kathi S. Barton - Author: Four copies of Burden of Reckoning to give away!!!...

Kathi S. Barton - Author: Four copies of Burden of Reckoning to give away!!!...: I have four copies of Burden of Reckoning to give away ~ in print. Anyone who comments on this post or goes to my Google + page at https://...

Copyright by Joann H. Buchanan

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Desire Everlasting By Karen Fuller

Desire Everlasting by Karen Fuller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Karen Fuller's Desire Everlasting was a poignant tale about a girl who lost her parents and was forced into a marriage she didn't want at first.

The story is set during the time just before the civil war. Bree was a strong willed woman who grabbed my attention from the start. She loved her life and was determined to live it on her own terms. When her parents passed, she is forced to move from the city she cherishes to a plantation. Although her aunt just wanted what was best for her, there are times she comes off harsh. That in and of itself was a sign of the times back then. To be obedient and honor parents and guardians was a definite must in that day and age.

The light hearted banter between Gabriel and Bree made is obvious they were attracted to one another right from the start and had the parental figures not interfered, the two would have fallen in love immediately. I especially enjoyed the cougar scene. If you want to know what I'm talking about you're going to have to read it.

Another part I liked about the story was Mr. March, Gabriel and Nathan's father. He was a stubborn man who insisted that his children marry and love who he said. Bree stands up for her "Lower" class friend and insisted that not only should she be invited to the wedding but be allowed to be her maid of honor as well.

I don't want to keep going on this review because I just know that I'm going to say too much. However, I found this a fun read with light giggles and feelings of love. The romance was sweet and tender and the characters experiences allowed them to grow. The only disappointment I had was I wanted more. By that I mean I want to read another book with these characters. They are sweet lovable and make you believe that love conquers all.




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Lock the doors and windows, the Wolf is loose! | PRLog

Lock the doors and windows, the Wolf is loose! | PRLog

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I Am Wolf Book 1 Children of Nox

I can't thank For You PR enough for the book trailer of I AM WOLF Book 1 of The Children of Nox series! Huge hugs!

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Free For A Limited Time on Amazon Kindle Week #2 - scifi book,horror books,contemporary romance

Free For A Limited Time on Amazon Kindle Week #2 - scifi book,horror books,contemporary romance

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World Castle Publishing Author Karen Fuller HITS Number 1 on Amazon

 World Castle Publishing has given authors, such as  Karen Fuller a chance to be a traditionally published writer. Karen Fuller is ranking number 1 on Kindle's bestseller list  in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Children's Fiction > Historical Fiction > United States > 1800s

I sat down with Karen for a small interview and here is what she said.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for about 4 years. Desire Everlasting was my original story. 

Who or what inspires you to write?

I have a muse that whispers in my ear and won’t shut up until I put it to paper. LOL

What draws you to write in the Romance genre?

That’s easy. Romance is my favorite genre and it is what interests me the most. The old saying is to write what you know. I’ve been reading romance since I was 12.

Who is your favorite character in Desire Everlasting and why?

Gabriel, hands down. My story has been rewritten several times before I considered it right. LOL The original story was in Gabriel’s point of view and I fell in love with the character as I wrote about him. He’s not perfect. He’s stubborn and judgmental, but I somehow relate to him.

Have you ever based a character on a real person?

Yes, sort of. The character Nathan in the story I sort of molded after my husband. LOL He’s lighthearted and quick to joke.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes. I write in Historical YA, Paranormal YA and Adult Paranormal Romance.

What other books do you have out there and what are they about?

The other YA I have out are the paranormal Wickford High Series: The Revelation and Furiously Tempted. They are two novellas about a Vicky Phillips and her experiences as she is whisked away in the middle of the night by her father to move to Wickford after her mother is killed. Wickford is her mother’s hometown and is filled with lies and secrets. People aren’t who they appear to be and no one is entirely human.

I also have an Adult Paranormal Romance out Courting the Darkness. That one is an action packed paranormal revolving around a witch, Desiree Dupuis. She had cast a backfired spell 100 years back that stopped the ageing process. Now suddenly everyone was after her. I wrote that one as a suspenseful fun read.

I have a few other Adult novels in the works: Dangerous which is the sequel to Courting the Darkness. Another series in the works: The Dark Wolf Series with the first book being Hunted, and an erotic romance being written under a pen name. LOL

What is the single most important tip you have for writers?

If you have a dream, don’t ever give up.

If you had to define your writing style, what would you say?

I’d say light hearted and upbeat. I like to impose a little humor in my writing.

Some silly questions about yourself.

What is your favorite color?

Blue

What is your favorite food?

Chinese

Do you like surprises?

It depends on the surprise. LOL

Where people can find you

Twitter @KFullerAuthor

FB http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001104356396&ref=tn_tnmn

Website http://www.karenfullerauthor.com

http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com

Blog http://worldcastlepublishing.blogspot.com/

Desire Everlasting by Karen Fuller

In The Wake Of A Tragedy, A True Love Is Born...

Life isn’t easy in the South in 1860. Bree Montgomery’s life is set in turmoil by the tragic deaths of her parents. Forced to leave her friends and home in the big city of Charleston, she moves to the small rural town of Willstown, Alabama, to live with her aunt. She now lives so far out in the country that there’s not a neighbor in sight. She is convinced that her life is ruined. That is, until she meets the gorgeous, Gabriel March, a young man with a stubborn will and a fiery temper to match her own.

A battle of wills is fought as the two stubborn personalities collide. In the aftermath, they are left with a love so strong that the only thing that can separate them is...a Civil War.

Bree's life is thrown into turmoil again. Will her will be strong enough to survive it? Or will she be thrown into a Desire Everlasting?

About the Author

 As an Author, I love romance. Paranormal Romance happens to be a favorite of mine. I’ve always been an avid reader and a few years ago I discovered my passion for writing as well. I live in the Panhandle of Florida, the Sunshine State. I’ve been happily married to a wonderful man for the last twenty-five years. I have two grown children and 1 grandchild. When I am not writing and running my own publishing company I can be found camping with my husband or attending a NASCAR race. Please visit my websites. I am always adding something new. http://www.karenfullerauthor.com or http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com








Thank you Karen for inspiring others to write and for being there so many times for so many. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

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New Themes for Writer Wed! :D

With the new year brings a new theme for writer wed on The Eclectic Artist cave. The themes for the coming weeks are: Change, write about a character that has a change of heart or changing his mind.
The next one is: Angels, write a flash fiction with the word angels, or about angels in it.
The next one is: Fire, write a piece of flash fiction about a fire or containing the word fire.
The next one is: Weapons, write a piece of flash fiction containing the word weapons.
Remember all will be read on The Eclectic Artist Cave on WED and will be posted to The Eclectic Artist Cave along with name of writer. Happy writing. Please send to joann@foryoupr.com

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Charlotte Blackwell's Embrace Series

Immortal Embrace 

Sophia Pierce has suffered since her brother left, and is unsure if she will ever get over it. That is until her family decided to move to Wenham, Massachusetts. Her and her siblings have been ordered to protect their little sister, and must return to High school. This is where Sophia finds her soul mate Nathanial and life as she knows it is about to change.

As a vampire, Sophia has always kept to herself, but as a high school student will she learn to step out of her comfort zone a little? Sophia has found a best friend in a powerful witch and a love to call her own. That is until something tragic happens and blood is spilled. Will Sophia be able to resist the sweet scent of her beloved’s blood?
This is Sophia’s story, a story of a girl who finds herself, love and everlasting friendship. The excitement of this story wraps mortals, vampires, witches, and shape shifters all into a romantic tale of young love, friendship, the meaning of family. The story of a girl who tries to finds herself when she thought it was all lost.  

My Review 

I first met Charlotte Blackwell when she came on my show to talk about her book. I was immediately intrigued by not only her concept but also by her warm and giving personality. A few months later I was signed by World Castle Publishing. I had no idea she was already one of their writers. Without hesitation, Charlotte took me under her wing and introduced me to the entire group of World Castle Publishing writers. With her help, I was able to learn a lot of the publishing business and what needed to be done. Little did I know she was going to become one of my closest friends. It gives me great pleasure to talk about her series. 

Immortal Embrace is about a young girl who I completely was able to relate to. As a teenager I remember wanting to be normal or fit in. The thing Charlotte shows in this book is that it's ok to be yourself. Her character Sopia goes through a lot to realize accepting yourself is always the best way. In this book, Charlotte has written about a heart warming family full of love for one another. One thing that brings you into the story is the language she uses in the dialogue. Written in first person, she carries you into the mind of teens through the dialogue, the rhythm of the story and movement of the characters. Charlotte adds another layer to the story through her characters who are witches. The whole of the story is one that will sweep you away into great imagery, good story telling and characters that will capture your heart. I give this book a 5 star rating. 

Forbidden Embrace 

Just when Sophia Pierce thinks her eternal life will be happy and peaceful, something else happens to turn it upside down. With rogue vampires approaching the town she has learned to call home, the Pierce family must prepare for battle. With some magickal help will they be able to save Wenham? Even more trouble arises when Danika, the newest vampire of the family decides this might not be the right place for her. The Pierce family has already lost one love, Caspian, when he felt he was no longer worthy of their family name. Will Danika follow his footsteps and will he be able to save her from a fate far worse than his own?

  My Review 

Sopia is finally at peace with her life. Enter Danika, her new sister. Once again Charlotte shares a world that sweeps you away and carries you into another place where just about anything is possible. All I can say is once again I loved the characters. This story is all about survival and learning how to cope with your own personal gifts. Though most of us don't wake up "Embraced" or turned into vampires, we do have to deal with making the best of who and what we are. What we do often have to deal with are those new people who come into our lives. In this book, Sopia has little to no trust when it comes to her new sibling, Danika. Mistakes are more than just costly in the world Charlotte has created, the are life and death. So the thought of putting a new sibling in Sopia's world adds a new depth to the characters and what they are all about. The romance from Immortal Embrace between Nate and Sopia grows in this book. The sweet tenderness of it all took me back to a time when romance was just that, romantic. Charlotte's use of the English language will take you away into a world filled with vampires, witches and angels. The magic of it all was a lot of fun to read!! 

The entire series is a must read for YA fans and it's something you will always remember. 

 

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Between By Mary Ting

 As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?



 My Review

Mary Ting's story telling abilities immediately wraps around you like a blanket and carries you safely through this world of magic and mystery while giving you the most romantic ride of your life. The love between Michael and Claudia is challenged not only by a couple of new characters that are brought into play but by a past that Michael must now explain. The love story is beautiful and the characters are all well defined. I caught myself giggling out loud at some of the comments and saying Oh no, when I was reading in bed at 1 am. The coolest thing happened as I read through Between, I was so caught up in the story that I began to cry when Gamma had a conversation with Claudia. In fact, I bawled like a baby so much that it woke up my fiance and made him ask me if I was ok. There are few writers out there that are able to surprise me and make me go through such a wide variety of emotions. For that I thank you Mary for writing your story. It touched my heart on many levels and became a wonderful world to sink into.

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World Castle Publishing's New Writers! | PRLog

World Castle Publishing's New Writers! | PRLog

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Mike Saxton's 7 Scorpion's Series

         7 SCORPIONS REBELLION

On May 7th, the mysterious dictator known only as the Zodiac unleashed an event called the Flash Storm, destroying every major city and military base across the world in one moment. No one saw it coming. There was no warning. There was no terrorist chatter. Hundreds of millions perished almost instantly. Humanity across the globe was plunged into chaos. In the days that followed, the enigmatic and frightening Seekers marched on the remnants of humanity, systematically enslaving or destroying everyone in their path.

All attempts to stand up to Zodiac's Grand Army failed. His Seekers, who radiate a mysterious aura that induces intense fear were virtually unbeatable. It seemed as though the prophecies of the End of Days were coming to pass until the day came that a glimmer of hope arose in the form of an exile who had been part of a super soldier experiment. It is up to this man, Vincent Black, to rally a resistance to free humanity from the grips of oblivion, if he can let go of his past.

MY REVIEW


Mike has written a fast paced fun read that made me instantly want to play the video game and see the movie. Amidst the apocalypse setting, he has created three dimensional characters that make you laugh and cheer. The depth of the novel is impressive and should be also listed as steam punk. The vivid details in the realistic setting drew me in with great energy and excitement. The one thing I loved was the progressive action. Not once did I find myself skipping words or paragraphs because I loved every word of it. The whole of the action sequences were described in such a way as I felt I stood invisible in the middle of it all.

I don't want to give away any spoilers. Just needless to say, I'm glad there is going to be another book and I WANT to play the game first!!

The truth is I can't remember the date I finished this book because I read it a couple times. The first time I read it for fun and the second to learn. For those who are writing a lot of action sequences, I strongly recommend you purchase this book and make notes. For those who are wanting a fun, exciting read with all sides of humanity tossed in the mix, this is the book for you. 

While I know I posted this same post a while back. I felt it was necessary to re-post this review so those who are just learning about the series could be brought up to date.

     7 SCORPIONS:REVOLUTION
  The war against the Grand Army raged for over a year and a half. Despite their valiant efforts, the rebels of Militia 28 are losing. With dwindling supplies and eroding hope, they have one last chance. The recent discovery of a weapon long thought lost rekindles their ambitions of eventual victory. If only they can get to it before Night Viper’s past comes back to destroy them.

With his massive Ziggurat almost complete, the dictator Zodiac is poised to unleash his “final solution” upon the shattered remnants of humanity. The pawns are maneuvered into place and secrets will be revealed that will change the face of the rebellion forever. Who is Zodiac? What was the purpose of Project Scorpion? Most important, will the war ever end?

7 Scorpions: Revolution is the sequel to the award winning 7 Scorpions: Rebellion.

MY REVIEW

A few weeks ago, I opened my door to go take my daughter to school and what should be sitting on the steps in a little square box but 7 Scorpions Revolution. I picked up the box and raced into the house to open it. I felt like a little girl on Christmas Day and Santa had delivered early.

Once again I was taken away into a world that was filled with possibility and wrapped up in this small band of renegades who refused to go down without a fight. The story opens up with a break in to a secret location. Part of the dialogue I giggled at right off the bat was, "Vincent's in trouble again." To which was replied, "He's always in trouble," Already absorbed into the story because of the first book, Mike did a good job at letting the readers know what had happened in book 1 and maintained the forward movement of the story.

I also noticed a lot of growth, not only with the characters, but in Mike's writing as well. His use of the English language not only has become more fluid in the story telling, but it also swept me away into a world where by the end I was thinking, WOW this could really happen.

In this book you will find a few new characters and some of the minor questions from book one left behind, are answered. Mike once again takes you on a fast paced adventure that reads like it should be a video game with lots of action. Though I don't want to give away too many of the twists and turns of this fast paced fun to read action filled book, I can tell you this. The end of the book is going to shock you the way the words, "Luike I am your father," shocked movie goers in the 70's. The final blow to the story is sure to make those who are reading the series say HOLY CRAP I DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING!

If you haven't read the story from the beginning you will be missing out. So I recommend going and purchasing the first one, reading it then reading book 2 before he puts out book 3, which I'm sure will complete the wild ride I have enjoyed being on already!! :D

OF COURSE I GIVE BOTH BOOKS A FIVE STAR REVIEW!!

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With the way of the world heading all digital, I have to ask, how long do you think it will take before there are no longer printed books available? I still love the way a printed book feels in my hands. There is nothing like turning the pages and getting lost in the worlds writers provide for us.


So with that being said, I can't ignore the other side of the coin. I can download books to the app on my phone and take them where ever I go. The time of day doesn't matter because the screen lights up, allowing me to be transported to another reality. Also the real truth is I'm also a gadget geek. I LOVE gadgets. They are fun to play with. 

Does this mean that one day our grandchildren will be asking what we are holding when we pick up an old favorite from our shelves? Will print ever really be gone or will it become more of a collector's item like so many other things that time has forgotten?  


An article published by Smarthouse states, " eBooks Could Cost More Than Print If Publishers Get Their Way" If this is true, then there might be a possibility that print media won't go silent into the night. It won't disappear completely. 


To me, this isn't a bad thing. I do want to know what this means for writers. Is big business making it impossible for writers to be paid and why aren't writers paid more? After all, we are the reason those companies are in business as it is. 

Digital books cost less to produce transport and store, and these savings may not have been passed on to readers. Mass-market paperbacks are usually sold at the same price in paper or e-ink. And yet a $7.99 ebook will generate a profit of around $3.80 for a publisher, under the agency model. The margin shrinks to $2.25 for the physical version.


If this is true then why are writers who land on the best seller lists still making an average of 20 to 50 thousand dollars a year? Why are the profits not going to writers when we are the creators and when we no longer have a budget for PR given to us to market our work to make more sales?


Whether or not print leaves this planet and becomes nothing more than an old piece of nostalgia sold at auctions or not, is really not the heart of the whole issue.  It's a book and between the pages rests invisible blood from each stories creator. We don't write to get rich, we write and create because we love to. Big business is in trouble though and people are starting to feel the crunch. Small publishing companies, like World Castle Publishing,  are taking risks on projects that are less likely to be considered by bigger companies because they think outside the box. The risks are starting to pay off in dividends and many unknown writers are starting to build their own following.


Self published writers are taking the time to hire good freelance editors and cover artists to help put out good quality work. Others are starting their own publishing companies with the help of places like Smashwords, Createspace and other sources. These are also biting into big business and allowing the newer writers to have a chance. Yes, the work is twice as hard. However, if you have a product like my friends Mike Saxton, Elizabeth Kolodziej or Beth Muscat, then you are really getting a good story and being entertained.

Really, what makes a good book? It's the ability to tell a story that draws the reader in. It isn't big or small business. Its the hard work that has been put into each and every word. It's a book...more than a book....it's a world you can carry around no matter what delivery system you choose to use.


Copyright by Joann H. Buchanan

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Arrested for Dancing

On the day of Thomas Jefferson's birthday, 17 people set out to celebrate the Author of the Declaration of Independence by gathering at the Thomas Jefferson  memorial statue and dancing in silence. The park officers interrupted the joyous celebration by first warning the individuals then arresting them for disobeying the law. When asked what law they were disobeying, the officer avoided the question by stating again, "Sir, I'm just giving you your warnings right now. If you demonstrate you will be arrested."

Again, the question was asked, which was followed up with, "You'll find out (if you dance)" by the officer.

Once the officer was unable to state what law they would be breaking the group challenged the officer's authority with a display of movement which the officers took as "Dancing" and arrested the group.

While the 1st amendment allows for Freedom of Speech, there is an added addendum to the law that adds "FREE SPEECH ZONES"  Free Speech Zones are   areas set aside in public places for political activists to exercise their right of freedom of speech as an exercise of what is commonly called "TPM" or "time, place, manner" regulation of speech. Free speech zones are set up by the Secret Service who scout locations near which the president is to pass or speak. Officials may target those displaying signs and escort them to the free speech zones before and during the event. Protesters who refuse to go to free speech zones could be arrested and charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. In 2003, a seldom-used federal law was brought up that says that "willfully and knowingly to enter or remain in any posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area of a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting" is a crime.<sup>[47][48]  **Wikipedia** 


Demonstrations are defined as The Regulations provide that, within the park areas of the National Capital Region, Demonstrations” include: picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services and all other like forms of conduct which involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the 6 conduct of which has the effect, intent or propensity to
draw a crowd or onlookers. [The] term does not include casual park use by visitors or tourists which does not have an intent or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers.
 
So according to the letter of the law, the officers choice to arrest the group were upheld in court.

Ok so now for my own personal opinion.</sup> 



Though it may appear to some that the group of people were being disrespectful to the Park Officers and the court dismissed the claims made by one person in particular stating that her first and fourth amendment rights had been violated because the group had no literal message that could have been passed on, I still think this was a clear violation of the groups rights. They weren't doing anything seriously wrong and for the most part had the officers just stood back and let the group celebrate for a few minutes the entire thing wouldn't have been used to bog up our court systems. As it stands though, the officers behaved like bullies on a playground. The day wasn't going the way they planned and so they decided to step in and make more of a spectacle  than necessary.


The idea that a small celebration can't be held in front of the very place designed around the individual who WROTE the Declaration of Independence is appalling to say the least. It wasn't like they were trying to vandalize the place. I wonder what would happen if a flash mob decided to meet at a particular time and all just stand still in a pose at the same time.  Would the officers then arrest them for standing still?



The single question that seems to be amiss here is the simple freedom of expression. Is it really illegal to dance in silent reverence to the single person who helped create this fine land we live in and call our own? According to the courts, the answer is yes. So then I have to take this to the next level, what is a legal form of expression and why is it not unconstitutional to dictate legal forms of expression? At what point do we say hey I've had enough when it comes to my personal freedoms being violated? Why is it that the law is designed much like the speech in The Devil's Advocate. Are the rules there really to protect our freedoms or are they more control factors set about by a nation full of fear? 

The officers acted on fear, stating in court that they had no idea if this would have started a riot. To which I reply, "Dancing, to no music, in silence, start a riot? Really?" If that isn't the lamest excuse to squash freedom of expression then I don't know what is. 

There are those who will state the officers were disrespected and so the group got what they deserved. To those who would think along those lines, I ask you this question. At what point do we remember  that this nation was born out of ternary and refusal to be governed to a point of having almost zero rights? America was born out of the simple refusal to be dictated when it came to our simple freedoms. Are we really going to stand by and allow this country to be taken back to a time when the government Park Officers (Rent a cops) included could do as they pleased without consequence?

There are those laws on the books that go against everything this country is supposed to stand for. The law of Extraordinary Rendition is one example. When we turn a blind eye to the smaller freedoms being shred, it makes it easier for the bigger ones to simply disappear.




Though the group was not, so far as I know, taken out by Extraordinary Rendition, this nation, our nation, AMERICA is currently living in a state of fear. It is a silent enemy that attacks without warning and does more damage than an AK-47. We now live in a society where it is better to turn our heads and ignore what is really going on. We live in fear of economic collapse and we live in fear of another attack. We live in fear of being politically correct and have forgotten what the nation stands for. Have we really forgotten the blood that was shed for the very freedoms we say we hold dear? If the answer to that question is no, then as a nation we must look at the truth of what is going on in today's society. We focus more on who the next American Idol is rather than what laws the government is sliding in under the table. We have allowed the Constitution to be shred a little at a time and smiled about it. We have taken out loans on land to bail out big businesses who line the pockets of the very people we elect and behaved as if it's status quot. 


Since when has it been ok to not say, "I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!" 


I'm not trying to start a riot here. I'm just asking us to look at the consequences before we turn a blind eye to everything that is going on in today's society. I'm asking to for this nation to say, I can dance when I want to. I stand and cheer for the people who gave us our freedoms and I can say no to laws that are not in MY countries best interest. I can do this because I am an American. I was given this right by my founders, ancestors, grandparents, parents, and all the soldiers who fight the battle of freedom every day. 


It is the very right I have been given by the Constitution so many of our governmental officials want to ignore. To those in power, I ask you to remember those of us you govern and please don't forget that we can fire you. That is OUR right. 


As for the group who only wanted to celebrate one of the founders, you have left an impact that much is sure. 


Thank you so much for listening to me during this, my own personal rant.

 

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