Category: Uncategorized
What is Your Favourite Genre?
My favourite genre is a definite toss up between historical fiction and fantasy fiction. Yes, I know I complain about fantasy a lot, but there is a lot of unique stuff out there when you look. But what I want to know is, what’s your favourite genre? And if you have time, why is it your favourite genre? Please vote and tell me in the comments below!
Self-Publishing: A Reviewer’s Perspective
Over the past 3 years that I’ve taken more of an interest in learning about the publishing industry, my views on self-publishing have been varied. As I seem to be cursed with the ability to see both sides of nearly every issue, I can understand where both supporters and opponents of self-publishing are coming from. But as a book reviewer, my views on self-publishing have taken on a new angle and are likely different than Joe Schmoe off the street. What are these views exactly? Well, read on to get a good look at how complex my opinion on this is.
Good: Books that normally would not be published are being published.
Bad: Books that normally would not be published are being published.
One of the good things about self-publishing is that it gets out some excellent books that would never be accepted by major publishing houses. Maybe the book is too controversial, unusual or the publisher doesn’t think there’s a market for it (note that these three things are not mutually exclusive). These are the kinds of self-published books that I love. On the other hand, sometimes there are good reasons for major publishers not accepting it. Like the fact that it is complete crap designed to fulfill its creator’s fantasies. Continue reading
Things Authors Should Know About Bad Reviews
In the four or so months I’ve been book reviewing on this blog, I’ve given out some pretty bad reviews. As an amateur writer myself, I can understand the crushing feeling authors get when someone gives them a bad review. Although I can sympathize with writers, I would never have started a book reviewing blog if I couldn’t handle giving out bad reviews when they are deserved. So, all you writers out there, please read on and keep these things in mind when (not if) you get a bad review.
1. It’s not personal.
Unless the reviewer is a complete jerk, a bad review is never personal. They aren’t criticizing you; they’re criticizing your work. There’s a huge distinction between the two, although it doesn’t seem that way when your precious work is being trashed. Giving you a bad review is not an attack on your character, beliefs, etc. It is simply criticizing a product you have put out into the world with the expectation that people will buy it and talk about it. If you’re still convinced that bad reviews are always personal, let me ask you this: When you last criticized a product, were you personally attacking the creator of the product? Probably not. And yes, your book is a product for all intents and purposes because you are selling it. Continue reading
Latest YA News
Well, I was right! Some ambitious director has picked up the rights to Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series. According to Wikipedia, it is to be directed by Burr Steers and it will be a trilogy. The first film will attempt to combine Emperor: The Gates of Rome and Emperor: The Death of Kings. This actually makes sense because the first book is very slow and could easily be condensed and added to the second book. Apparently this has been news since May 20, 2010, but I just found out about it and I wanted to spread the word. So, Conn Iggulden fans, you’re in luck! The movie will apparently be called Emperor: Young Caesar, which is a title so horrible it makes me want to gag. Could it be more predictable? Oh well, with the name “Caesar” in the title, it will draw a larger crowd.
Blood of Eden by Julie Kagwa was just released on April 24 as well. So if you love Julie Kagawa, or real blood-sucking, human-eating, stone-cold killing machines that don’t sparkle, check it out. I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to get my hands on it as soon as humanly possible. For more information, check out the official site here.
Kristin Cashore is an amazing writer and the third book in her Seven Kingdoms series is coming out on May 1 of this year! I mentioned this before, but after it got an excellent review from a reviewer who managed to obtain an ARC, I am even more anxious to read it.
Well, I was Tagged
Yep, it was going to come sooner or later. Today it came from one of my regular readers, turntherice, so I’ll play along. But I’m not going to perpetuate the cycle, since most of the people I know have already been tagged and I hate to bother them. So here are the questions and my answers.
1. What do you think about the 2012 end of world “crisis”? Is it hogwash? A misunderstood interpretation of the Mayan calendar?
There’s a word for this “crisis”, but it’s not appropriate for my generally family-friendly blog. Many cultures have predicted the end of the world and it hasn’t come yet. When I went to Mexico, my guide explained that it’s simply a new cycle of the calendar, nothing to worry about. I’m not going to lose sleep over it.
2. If the world were to really end, what’s one thing you’d like to do before you die?
That information is classified.
3. What’s your best advice to new bloggers?
Stick to a regular blogging schedule, whether it’s once a day or once a week. Your readers will expect regular posts and you’ll lose them if you don’t. Also, comment on other people’s blogs in your niche to build an audience and connect with other bloggers.
4. If Pinnochio lies, does his nose grow?
According to Shrek, yes.
5. What’s one thing you could not live without in your daily life?
Sleep. I couldn’t live without my precious sleep.
6. What’s the most interesting news you’ve read/heard about recently?
Well, the whole clown circus GOP nomination process is pretty amusing. There’s always something new from GOP headquarters, whether it’s Herman Cain’s many scandals, Newt Gingrich’s arrogance or Mitt Romney’s very odd speeches. “The trees are just the right height…” Puh-lease.
7. Do you believe in love at first sight? At what point can one consider oneself “in love”?
Nope. Love at first sight is based on looks, therefore it is lust or infatuation. As for when someone can consider themselves in love, I suppose it’s when you feel completely comfortable with your partner and accept all of their flaws without trying to change them.
8. What do you think of reality television?
Idiotic. A waste of air time. When will it go away?!
9. How many countries have you visited? Which would you like to visit?
I’ve visited three different countries, if you count stopping in the USA for a while to change planes. I’d like to visit Egypt since I would like to see all of its rich history, but that trip will be far in the future. I’m definitely going to wait until things calm down there, if they calm down at all.
10. What is your favourite outdoor activity?
Barbecuing. Or eating Spitz. I love my food, probably more than I should.
11. What’s stopping you?
Stopping me from what? Barbecuing? Blogging? Sleeping? Pretty much nothing except myself.