Time and Again by Deborah Heal Book Review (Tomoson)

I read Time and Again by Deborah Heal, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. This post contains affiliate links and images. I received a Smashwords copy of the book. The book is also available Amazon: Time and Again in Kindle and paperback.

About the book:

The book is about Abby, a college student who is tutoring a teen girl for a school project, over the summer, hoping the assignment would be easy. Meredith reminded me of my niece. An annoying, sarcastic, know-it-all, teen girl, who wants to watch TV, instead of studying. Luckily, Meredith does not have a Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram :-)

My Review:

First, the book is Christian-Based. I also loved the description of the book. The book is geared towards teens. Abby is on summer vacation but still has to work as a teacher. It's her first day of work and she would be tutoring. Abby is interested in history. The two make progress when they see a little boy, almost get hit by a train. While Abby and Meredith was taking the little boy, Michael, home, they strike up a conversation with an elderly female, who mentions says, you'll find the soul of that old house and you'll find--well Charlotte will show you.  The elderly lady gives them a clue to the past, but they don't know it yet.

I liked the book. It had a nice pace. I got really into the book.

Social Media

Book on Amazon
GoodReads
Deborah Heal's website
Facebook Fan Page

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Edible Green Tea Product review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Edible Green Tea, in exchange for honest review on Tomoson. The post contains Amazon affiliate images. The website for edible green tea is found here as well

I first heard of the Edible tea months ago, when I received a sample in my Bulu Box, I got for review. The sample got lost and I never got a chance to try it. I was happy when I got chosen to review it again.

The tea looks like short, little strips. You simply add a little to your food each day. You can add it to cereal or oatmeal, maybe a smoothie. I made a big mistake when I tried it the first time. Each packet represents your daily serving. I messed up and added all the tea to my oatmeal. No bueno. It was too much edible tea in my food. I did finish it though but it took some time. I also added it to Yogurt to give it a little crunch.

After that, I been adding a sprinkle here and there, versus the whole package to my foods.

Edible Green Tea provides you a daily sample of a whole leaf of green tea. The tea is organic and contains the purest tea leaves. The tea also contains plenty of antioxidants.

The website also offers recipes, such as Chocolate Bundt Cake, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes, and Pinwheel Cookies.

The product is sold on Amazon, but is not available. Currently out of stock. The product is also sold on the primary website for $25 dollars for a 1 month supply. The tea also comes in powdered form for $25 dollars as well.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Island Dreams Motivational Photography Book

I read ISLAND DREAMS (MOTIVATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK) by Suzy Liebermann, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The book was published by Happy Language Kids, LLC. This post does contain my amazon affiliate links and images.



The book provides a collection of images to motivate and inspire you. The pictures are bright and colorful. Great beach scenes. The book also has motivational quotes before each picture. Some quotes I liked include:

• Don't just have a great day, make one. 
• A simple smile can lead to a million things
• Some days you have to create your own sunshine. 

Currently the book is 5.99 on Kindle and free to borrow with prime.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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How to get good reviews by Theo Rodgers Book Review, Book Tour, and Giveaway (Goddess Fish).

I read How to get good reviews on Amazon by Theo Rodgers, in exchange for review from Goddess Fish Promotions. This review is lengthy because reading and reviewing books is a major part of my lifestyle.

About the Book: copied from media kit

How To Get Good Reviews On Amazon is a simple, no-nonsense guide that teaches exactly what it says it does. Based on both psychological science and thousands of hours of conversation with some of Amazon’s top reviewers, it takes you behind the scenes into the reviewing subculture that has grown up on Amazon’s website. It gives you a deep, insider’s knowledge of how the top reviewers think and operate. It not only shows you what to do: it takes you inside the reviewers’ heads so that you can see for yourself both how these techniques work and why they’re so effective. Lessons include:

• A simple, four-part formula for writing emails that get your work reviewed.
• Three things never to say when communicating with reviewers!
• How to pick reviewers who are more likely to give you a good review.
• How to reduce the chance that a reviewer you contact will post a bad review – even if it turns out they don’t like your work!
• How people get caught out when receiving reviews from friends and family

This book teaches an honest, straightforward approach that works. It works because it’s not based gimmicks or tricks but on a real understanding of how Amazon reviewers operate: most of all on what they expect from authors and other sellers. If you want to know how to talk to Amazon reviewers in a way that will make them respect you as a professional and see you as the kind of seller they actually want to help, this is the book for you.

About the author:copied from media kit

Theo Rogers combines years of coalface experience on Amazon's website with formal training and
qualifications in a range of business and social science disciplines. He's spent literally thousands of hours talking with Amazon reviewers, getting inside their heads, and learning what makes them tick. He's spent almost as many hours observing the carnage that so often takes place on Amazon's forums. In the process he's developed a deep insider's knowledge of the reviewing subculture that's grown up on Amazon's website. He's also seen a lot of authors and other would-be sellers make the same mistakes in their dealings with that subculture - over and over again. As a result of his experiences, Theo has come to believe that yes, there is a simple formula that works: a way of dealing with reviewers that's honest, powerful, and extremely effective at winning reviewers over, getting them on your side, and making them actually want to help you. https://www.facebook.com/TheTheoRogers

Excerpt:copied from media kit

One of the most fundamental ideas in this booklet is that there’s a definite reviewing subculture that 

has grown up on Amazon’s website. Like any culture, it has its own particular values and mores: its 

own ideas about what’s right and what’s wrong. When we come to the issue of shill reviews, we collide headlong with the values of the reviewing culture. As you might expect, most reviewers see shills – and the sellers who use them – as very, very wrong. Because this section is all about values, I think it’s important to stress that I’m writing here as your guide to Amazon’s reviewing subculture. I’m not writing as a missionary on its behalf. Simply put, I believe that your journey through the Amazon Jungle will be smoother, easier, and more successful if along the way you’re respectful of the values of the natives who dwell there. For that reason, I’m going to lay out for you some of the more commonly held tenants: the basic beliefs that most of the natives would hold to. It’s not for me to tell you whether you should embrace these values to the core of your being and make them your own. I’m just telling you that as a matter of pure pragmatism, you are going to make trouble for yourself if you ignore them.

My Review:

I been reviewing books since 2011. I have posted almost 200 reviews on Amazon, Shelfari, Library Thing, Good Reads, and my blog, but when it comes to reviews on my own books, I may have one or two. Reviews help some people determine if and when to buy a particular product or review. Of course, you want your reviews to be helpful (love it when I get that email). I wanted to read this book to learn how to get more reviews, in addition to good reviews on book review websites, for my books. I even did a promotion on LibraryThing, thinking I would get some excellent reviews and I got one person, who left a review on Chocolate Kisses.

For me, I usually give 4 to 5 stars for great books, 3 stars for average books, and 1 star for books, which disinterest me. When I have to give a negative review, I usually mention why I did not like the book in concrete terms. I don't attack the author.

So back to the book:

The first chapter deals with the mind of the average Amazon Reviewer. Why do people review books? Why would they review your book? For me, I had few reviews on Amazon, prior to becoming a blogger. I started reviewing more books when I got involved with Blogging. I even started reviewing books I read for business or pleasure. I use reviews to describe a product; tell people how much I liked a product or book; or tell people, how much I disliked a product or book. I also sometimes do video reviews, if I don't feel like typing. Why would I review your book: I read the description first. Non fiction and special needs books get priority over fiction. For non-fiction, if I can apply the material to my life and struggles, I will chose to review the book. Reviews also help improve rank. My old rank was in the millions. My new rank well is in the 23,944, with 69 helpful reviews. I got top reviewer status. I was happy to receive that honor. Never won too many awards and trophies in real life, but I love my top reviewer status on Amazon. I have arrived LOL. Any rank over 1000 gets top reviewer ranking. You can earn badges if you are in the top 1000. Your rank can improve with helpful votes. People can vote yes or no to your reviews.

The second chapter: discusses selecting reviewers. The author discusses the four P's of marketing when selecting reviewers.

• Product: What are you selling? What are you asking people to review? Has your book been edited? proof read? Is an an advanced reader copy? Is it a finished copy? Do you want the reviewers to help point out the flaws in the book? You also have to consider language. If your book uses lots of slang or ebonics for example, let the readers know. For example, I was asked to read and edit a street lit book for a random dude online. The book had slang, bad grammar, bad spelling, and punctuation from the beginning. I wasn't sure if the author did it like that on purpose or wanted me to correct spelling on every other word. The author told me he wanted it like that after I finished editing the book. 
• Price: how much are you selling the product for?
• Place: Where are you selling your products?
• Promotion: What is the book about? Promotion includes marketing and advertising. Promotion also involves finding people, who will review your book. But, don't make it a requirement to like your book. I have seen places (book tours, for example), which say if you can't rank the book 3 stars, contact them and let them know why, instead of posting the review publicly. I even had one case on Library Thing, where I won a member giveaway book, and the public relations rep, said the author don't like negative reviews. Their tone was very crass and it made me not want to read the book, let alone review it. I don't remember the name of the book, but I remember the author. Makes me not want to request any of the author's books again because of his or her representative. 

How do you select reviewers? for me, I have found reviewers in book review books on facebook, ning, library thing, twitter, and other sites. The author suggests looking for reviewers by Amazon Rank, such as a top reviewer. One problem with this is top reviewers, even people, like me, who review books, get a lot of book review requests. It can be overwhelming. Authors can also hit up folks with average ranks, who want to build up their ranks. You also can offer free books or an incentive for reviewers to choose your book. I love free books and gift cards. You don't want someone to spend a lot of money on your book, just to review it. Remember, to tell your reviewers to mention they got the book for free for honest review to abide by FTC standards. 

Chapter 3 focuses on contacting reviewers: email; leaving a comment on one of their reviews; using social media; etc. Rodgers also suggests not asking for a positive review; complain about previous bad reviews; or offer the reviewer money.

Chapter 4 focuses on what happens after the review is posted: You can do nothing. The review is posted. Mission accomplished. You can also send a thank you note to the reviewer. I seen cases where the authors or representatives email the reviewer, asking to be added to future books to be reviewed lists. But do not leave comments only on five star reviews or attack people, who left bad reviews. There was an incident a while back, where an author, who had a pending book deal, attacked some of his critics and the company on Amazon and Facebook. The thread was posted online in a few of my other book reviewer and author groups, in addition to shared across the internet via social media. That one bad post made a lot of reviewers mad, not to mention, it may make the author lose a potential book deal. Not everyone will like a book, but don't take it out on them and social media, not to mention your publishing company.


Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book. I read it within two hours.

Giveaway:

Amazon $100 Gift card. The more you follow the tour, the more chances you have at winning. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Tour Stops: 

Goddess Fish Social Media

Facebook

Twitter

Theo Rodgers Fan Page

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ED1QGXC

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00ED1QGXC/

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Bama Bride Book BLast (Goddess Fish Promotions)

Perfect Chaos is helping promote the Bama Bride Super Book Blast from Goddess Fish Promotions. The book was written by Joan Chandler. The copy and images were provided by Goddess Fish Promotions. 

Follow the Tour. One randomly drawn commenter will win a $25 dollar Amazon Gift card. and  randomly drawn host will win $10 dollars Amazon Gift card. 

Book Blurb: (from media kit)
Neal Sinclair meets David Bankston in a college town bar. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, and wears a Stetson like nobody’s business.When they dance, inner passion heats up while inhibitions melt away. Neal quickly discovers David’s not a Southerner at all. He’s a Boston architect, in Tuscaloosa for only one night. The next morning, they struggle to walk away from something that caught them both by surprise. Time doesn’t diminish the ache they feel in each other’s absence. Unable to stay apart, David arranges to take Neal to watch her beloved Crimson Tide play in a football bowl game. Reunited, they’re determined to make it work. When separated, they perfect the art of open communication. They each know that true love is a long shot. But distance isn’t the only thing standing in their way. Unbeknownst to her, Neal’s overprotective father is, too. With so much conspiring against them, can a natural disaster turn the odds in their favor?
Excerpt One:

“Hey, cowboy. How about a dance?” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she cringed. Wow, even to my own ears that sounded way too cheesy. She looked him over as he stood with the sole of one boot propped against the wall, and a Stetson perched atop his head. He had sinfully good looks, and his olive complexion and wavy black hair gave him a swarthy, pirate-like appeal. “Evening.” He nodded, but his gaze remained focused on the room, never lingering in one place too long. Clearly, she had been dismissed. So much for my skill at playing the vamp. This is shaping up to be an epic fail. With each swig he took from that long-necked beer bottle, however, she found herself wanting nothing more than to offer to lick off the moisture that clung to his mouth after every swallow. She decided not to give up so easily. “You’re about empty. How about a second round? My treat?” He locked eyes with her then, and humor glinted in his.

The gorgeous stranger rewarded her with a dazzling smile even as he shook his head in polite refusal. “Thank you, but no.” His fingers were long, and his hand was broad. He exuded sex appeal. But she wasn’t used to these games of pursuit. It was usually the other way around, and she was fending off the unwanted advances. Jeez, I must look utterly pathetic to him just standing here with doe eyes. I don’t know what possessed me to think I could ever stand a chance with someone like him. She started to back away when suddenly the band began to play the first strains of “Sweet Home Alabama.” She took it as a sign that this might be her lucky night after all. She quickly downed the rest of her sour apple martini to bolster her courage and then deposited the empty glass on a nearby table. “Are you just passing through?” She spoke loudly to be heard above the cacophony of their surroundings.

“I only came in for a beer—nothing else. I leave town in the morning.” “I get it. No entanglements, right? But it’s just one dance. And judging by your accent, you aren’t from around here. So I’m willing to overlook the fact that you don’t know it’s an unwritten law that when that particular song comes on, it’s lady’s choice. She can ask any man to dance, and he can’t say no.” “Can’t, huh? Is that a fact?” A playful grin toyed at the corners of his mouth. “It is when you’re in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. That song’s a sacred anthem around here. So, cowboy, I’m asking you once again. You wanna dance?” She put one hand on her hip and extended the other toward him, waiting. Hoping he would acquiesce. His hesitation surprised her. Instead of accepting immediately, he purposefully raked his eyes over her from head to toe.  “Go ahead. I’ve got all night.” She teased him at the flagrant assessment of her assets. She welcomed the appraisal. She knew she looked good tonight. Finally he budged, putting both feet on the ground and taking a step closer. “All right then. You lead the way.” He smirked, as if amused by the whole incident.

She smiled and turned toward the wooden floor near the stage, their fingers joined behind her as they walked. When they were front and center, she put her hands on his shoulders while his immediately came to rest on her hips. Although it wasn’t a particularly slow song, he pulled her close until their bodies touched, and they began to move in time to the music. He was tall and towered over her, despite her high heels, so he bent slightly and introduced himself. “I’m David. What’s your name?” The feel of his warm breath against her face made the air around her crackle. She inhaled the scent of him. It was equal parts of shampoo, spice, and suds, and it was more intoxicating to her than the vodka had been. She breathed deeply then looked up into his brown eyes. “Neal.” He raised an eyebrow in apparent surprise at the revelation. “That’s an unusual name for a girl. My best friend in high school was named Neil.” “Cowboy, it may sound like a boy’s name, but I can assure you I am one-hundred-percent genuine woman.”He let his hands wander over the luscious curve of her bottom. Pressing his lips against her ear, he dared her. “Prove it.”

Author Bio 

Joan Chandler is a Florida native who has lived in the Deep South all of her life. She is married
with two children who are her pride and joy. She lives a double life of sorts, holding down a
nine-to-five job during the day, and writing steamy romance at night—often with her black cat
curled up in her arms as she types. When she’s not spending her spare time working on her next novel, she loves to go camping, sharing girls’ night out with her friends, walking her two dogs, and watching college football.

BUY Links:
Amazon
Book Strand
Blog

Twitter:
Find me on facebook: Joan Chandler
email: joanchandler13@gmail.com

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The DropZone product review from BryBelly.

I reviewed the DropZone, in exchange for honest review from Brybelly. The Dropzone is similar to Plinko on the price is right. I got the product in the mail a few days ago. It was very heavy. I got it upstairs to the game room to lay it out and prepare myself for assembly. Took two people to get it upstairs and out of the box. and Viola no assembly. Everything was ready to go. The clear part at the top can be removed so you can insert your own logo or company name.

The product comes with a handle on the side, which I assume is for carrying. It also has a built in stand for support. Next, the product comes with 10 discs for playing. Finally, The DropZone comes with a white board set up at the bottom. You can write down points or chores or even dinner for tonight.

As soon as I set the game up, the kids (sons, niece, great niece) all started playing.







VIDEOS of the kids and family playing with the Dropzone. 

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Ozeri WeightMaster Digital Bathroom Scale with MICROBAN Antimicrobial Product Protection Product Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed the Ozeri Bathroom Scale, in exchange for review from Tomoson.

About Ozeri (paraphrased from Tomoson) (direct material is in italics)
Ozeri manufactures digital products is the first company to incorporate MICROBAN antimicrobial product protection, which hinders odor and stain-causing bacteria. MICROBAN works for the product's lifespan by hindering the growth of bacteria and helps ensure the product is clean.

On a bathroom scale without Microban protection, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes with frequent skin contact and exposure to moisture. The product also has a blue light feature for easy to read results. It also has slip-resistant material on the outside with impact-resistant tempered glass on the inside. The product also automatically turns off once you step off. Next, the scale uses 3 AAA batteries. The product also comes with a full warranty, just in case you need support.

Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 1 x 14 inches ; 4.7 pounds
Shipping Weight: 7 pounds

One problem I had was installing the batteries. I will explain more in the video below. I was not sure which way they went. The diagram on the back confused me a lot. I finally figured it out later. Felt like a dummy, when I did.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Happy Wednesday

This is my week so far:

Highlights:

1. Package not arriving from Amazon. Ordered some wireless headphones using my amazon payments account. Package was suppose to arrive Saturday. Went downstairs after getting the package delivered text. No package. Called Fedex. Said they will call back in 24 hours. no phone call. Called Sunday. Was told the driver division was closed until Tuesday. Called Amazon. They refunded my money back to payments and sent me a new set for free. The driver came today. We talked. He said he delivered the package. We still don't know where the first package is. 
2. Unauthorized charge on Amazon. Checked my debit card account last nite. Saw an unauthorized charge for 85 dollars for Amazon Prime. I already have a prime account and it does not re-charge me until January. Called Amazon. Somehow, someway, a friend of mine got prime with my money. I don't share my amazon information because too much is tied into it (book sales, payments, kindle, create space, kdp select, mturk, etc). I don't share my debit card information. I have a budget and keep a close eye on all my debit card accounts. Plus,  I am cheap lol. My two highest expenses each month are my tithes and Wal-Mart. Not paying for two prime accounts. 
3. Ultimate Blog Challenge- I signed up for the ultimate blog challenge, which means I have to blog daily and read blogs daily. I am on day 3 and just started today. Internet connection was down part of Sunday, Monday, and yesterday. 
4. Revolt Challenge. I also signed up for the revolt challenge to lose weight. Still waiting on my scale (I don't know how much I weigh) and calipers to arrive. Package gets here tomorrow. 
5. Lost internet connection. Sunday. went to church. got home from church. took a nap after church. woke up. went to the pc. internet not working. checked the wireless program. it's working fine. checked the adapter. lights not on. took it out the pc and it had a broken wire. My wonderful two year old broke it while I was sleep. This is not the first one he broke. Called my ISP. Told them the problem. The new one would be here in one to two days, but i have to pay a 10 dollar fee for the new one. No problem. Had a 7 dollar credit on the account. asked them if they can charge the rest to the bill, due Monday. That was a no. Glad I had money on one of the debit card accounts. 

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On the edge book review and tour

I read On The Edge, in exchange for review from Sage Publications. The book is written by Dick Hannah. 

Book Description: (copied from the media kit)

After Joe Malone was run out of the Marines due to debilitating agoraphobia brought on by a fire fight Iraq he was forced to turn to his former Marine father for help. Having made some strides back to normalcy, Joe’s rocky relationship with his father is destroyed when he fires Joe after one their clients is found brutally murdered during a class at their military style fitness boot camp. Things only get worse when a second client is murdered right in front of Joe three days later. Joe is forced to decide what he wants more, the safety and security of staying at home working as a model builder for his old friend Kathy or the chance to reclaim his father’s respect and potentially own the boot camp business by tracking down the killer. Determined not to let anymore of his friends get hurt, and desperate to return to his father’s good graces, Joe agrees to accompany a group of their clients on a trip to West Texas for a three day adventure race. The challenges Joe expected to face are magnified during the train trip across Texas when he finds that his boss, Kathy, is along for the ride. The dangers continue to escalate the farther west they go, with Joe no longer sure of who to trust, with Kathy having to join a team on the race, and with his brother and father shadowing him across the state. Add to this that Joe’s own personal nemesis, Horne, shows up with his own team of adventure racers and is overtly trying to endanger Joe. Joe is forced to find the motivation to continue the trip, the personal dedication to overcome his fear of crowds and of open, even when his past and the associated memories keep rising to the surface and threaten all the gains he’s made since returning from the war. The adventure race is the least of Joe’s concerns. The rafting, climbing, rappelling, biking, running and other obstacles are nothing compared to the personal challenges Joe is forced to confront. The race comes to an abrupt end when Horne is killed during the rappelling portion of the race. With his death, however, Joe is able to see the connection between all the murders and understands that it is two of his own clients who are the murderers. With Kathy and his father, Joe confronts the two murderers and is able keep them from escaping. The novel ends with Joe working full time for Kathy, eschewing his father’s business in an effort to break away from the manipulations of his family so he can focus on building a life of his own.

LINKS:
• https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/235892
• www.puborperish.blogspot.com
• http://www.amazon.com/On-Edge-Dick-Hannah/dp/1301821411

My Review:

The book starts out with Joe leading exercise boot camp. Joe eventually realizes 10 recruits are missing. He broke a rule: never split the force, but Joe still went looking for his students.  Chapter 1 was a good intro into the book. Start of a great mystery. In Chapter 2, 9 of the recruits was finally found, which means one was still missing. The mystery continues. What happened to that 1 student? Chapter 2 started with a question: What happened to that one student and ended with a bang. Very intense. 

The book was a great read. 

About the Author:

Imagine Dick Francis listing toward adventure races instead of horse racing. Or Diane Mott Davidson writing about triathlons inlieu of catering. With a background in adventure races including competing in the Army Best Ranger Competition Dick Hannah provides a fresh voice and real world glimpse into the world of adventure racing and fitness in his thriller novels. Prior to starting his writing career he spent four years as a Ranger team leader and continues to stay sharp by working as a fitness consultant at a fitness bootcamp. When not racing or writing, Dick works full-time as technical writer, business analyst and trainer. Dick followed up Toe the Line, his first full-length novel, in 2013 with On the Edge. He has already started on his third thriller, Vapor Trail, which he plans to release in 2014. He can be contacted through his blog at Puborperish

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Amazon or Paypal Giveaway

Perfect Chaos is helping promote The Amazon or Paypal Giveaway. Information is provided below

Summer is here and I have teamed up with a few great bloggers to bring you the chance to win a little extra cash to fund your summertime adventures!

Special Thanks go out to Sublime Media Connection, Sweet Silly Sara, Pickles n Peppers, Giveaways 4 Mom and  Simplified Savings for hosting this giveaway!

Or

One lucky reader is going to win $25 paypal cash- or an amazon gift card- winners choice! This is our way of saving thank you for reading our blogs.

This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook and the participating bloggers cannot be held responsible for the delivery of the prize.

This giveaway begins on 7/1 and ends on 7/15. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Writer's Platform

I read the Writers Platform by Austin Briggs. I won the book through a Librarything giveaway. I chose the book because I am a writer (short stories and poetry) and have low sales. I do not have a marketing plan to increase sales. I have no idea how to increase sales. I was glad when I got notified, I won a copy of the book.

The book discussed building a good writer's platform within 30 days, using social media only. I don't have to buy multiple copies of my print books. I don't have to start doing public speaking (not feeling that). I am not buying a review (those should be free). The process is not easy--it will require work. The book does not discuss illegal or shady ways to increase sales--loved reading that page of the book. I have seen so many websites, got plenty of emails, and seen books--where you attempt to earn a quick buck by spending hundreds and hundreds of your own money. I am a broke writer. I write for fun, but there is nothing like a sale. I already feel like the odds are against me because I am not a novelist. Takes more work to sell poetry and short stories, than a novelist. I have a blog, facebook fan page, pinterest, twitter, and google plus. I am in writing groups, writer's books, and promotion-based groups on facebook, library thing, and book blogs.

I been skimming through the book for about two weeks--to see if the information is worth taking an in-depth look at--and it is. The author focuses on techniques to improve your brand, pricing, and blogging. The books need to be the right price. The authors also need to watch what they say online, which can affect sales. If you are negative, then people may not buy your book. Briggs also discusses developing a website and a blog. All of this does not start without defining goals first. What do you expect from writing this book? What kind of income do you want? How many people do you need to buy your book, based on income?

There is also a great chapter on social media. Facebook and twitter are a must for writers. There is also Google Plus, Linkedin, Pinterest. Every follower is a potential buyer or promoter of your brand. We, as writers, need to update posts on a regular basis. We also need to develop goals for social media as well. Another note: Do not just post "buy my book" only because it gets boring and redundant. Post humor, opinions, and other content as well. You also can use facebook ads to attract new followers to your pages. Social media also allows networking with publishers, editors, and other writers.

Finally, the book discusses finding a good editor; formatting the book; choosing the right format for the book; guest posting; blog tours (which I have done for other authors); cross promotions; author associations; book bonuses; and review exchanges (i review your book and you review my book). The book also has a 90 day calendar to increase the book's and the author's brand. Each day is laid out with tips and techniques.

The book was simple to read, not too complicated. Not a lot of big words, you need a dictionary for.  I liked it. definitely will work on developing goals and start using the book to improve my brand.

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My Crocodile does not bite

I read my crocodile does not bite by Joe Kulka, in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley.com. The book was published by Learner and Carolrhoda Books. The book talked about a boy named Ernest and his pet Croc, Gustave. Ernies rival is a girl named Cindy Lou, who has a pet doggie named Fifi. The school is having a pet fair and all the kids are bringing their pets to school. Cindy Lou thinks her pet is superior. Cindy Lou does not like Ernest or his croc. She does not want the Croc to go to school. It also does not help the croc knows more tricks than Fifi. The book is a good read, with a surprise ending. My kids enjoyed reading this book.

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