BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
exciting New Titles!
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BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
summer reading magazine Executive Editor/Editor-in-Chief - Laurence O’Bryan Associate Editor - Tanja Slijepčević Assistant Editor - Elisabeth Schaffalitzky Assistant Editor & Writer - Nora Graham Graphic Designer - Mirna Gilman Ranogajec
Produced by BooksGoSocial 5 Dame Lane Dublin 2
BooksGoSocial.com Admin@booksgosocial.com
https://bgsauthors.com
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BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
Table of contents 04
Editor’s letter
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Excerpt Hometown Girl Again
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Collaborative Marketing
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SHORT STORY: Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by Richard Correa Sr
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Unconventional summer reads
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Love and Sex: The Challenge John Reynolds
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THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING A MEMOIR
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BOOK COVER: DO’S AND DON’TS
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The Dublin Writers’ Conference: From the Eyes of an Intern
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The Dublin Writers’ Conference 2018:What You Missed
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BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
Summer Reading Magazine Hi, You are very welcome to our Summer Reading magazine ‘18! Summer is a wonderful time for reading. Many of us take books to the beach, to the park and on our travels by plane, train and automobile. More books get read in the Summer than almost any other time of year. What better way to find new books to read than in a magazine that features great title and great offers. There are pages or reviews, articles and details on lots of amazing Summer reads inside too. I know I spend a lot of time reading in the Summer, and finding new titles can be a chore. I hope your search will be made easier this Summer by our new magazine.
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BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
We wish you the best for your Summer reading. And if you have any ideas for articles or things you would like to see covered in our magazines, let me know. Laurence O’Bryan Editor in Chief Summer Reading Magazine
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One man – a sorcerer disguised as soldier – will alter history – Forever! Available on Amazon and Nook/B&N
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BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
A hero will emerge‌ But is the savior man, machine, god or devil? Available on Amazon
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Contemporary Fiction Pedal by Linda Bradley Burdened by heartache, can a whisper from beyond give middle-aged Paula Murphy the courage to just pedal? Coming back to her Bay View summer home in northern Michigan means more than planning picnics at the beach and working in her daughter-in-law’s bicycle shop. Her avoidance to embrace her grown son’s death isn’t the only tribulation weighing on this self-reliant social worker’s mind. Reluctant to believe the unfathomable, Paula Murphy’s world is turned upside down when she’s reunited with the only man she’s ever loved. “I love everything by Linda Bradley. This book was a great quick read, leaving you feeling hope and love.” - Anne Lawson, Author of Harbor of Love Series
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Contemporary Fiction Empty Seats by Wanda Adams Fischer Set in 1972, this novel falls the journey of three young baseball players trying to make the jump from the minors to Major League Baseball. All their lives, they’ve been told they’re the best; now they have to prove themselves all over again--on and off the baseball diamond.
Daisy’s Choice by Mike Owens When death seems the only alternative to a life of pain and suffering, who gets to choose? Left blinded and horribly disfigured by an explosion, eighteen-yearold Daisy Sugarbush begs her doctors to turn off the machines, let her die in peace. But the system doesn’t work that way, and she seems condemned to a life she doesn’t want.
Negative Space by Silvia Sanza Negative Space is what’s left in the life of a widow who looks for love in all the wrong places. When her husband dies of cancer just days after 9/11, her world is devastated. She soon finds herself entangled with three very different people -- a younger man, an older man, and a younger woman -- and embarks on a journey of obsession and intimacy.
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excerpts & short stories
Excerpt Hometown Girl Again by Kirsten Fullmer
Relieved to have found all the items on her list, Katherine offered the clerk a shy smile and collected her bags. The place was really more of a small town mercantile than a hardware store, being the only store in town that offered more than groceries, and she was glad they saw fit to carry a bit of everything. When she reached the door, lugging her supplies, she was surprised to see Alex through the glass. He was heading across the parking lot toward her, carrying a small black and white dog, and his characteristic swagger looked more like a limp as he wrestled with the puppy. Jumping back, her head whipped from one side to the other, looking for a place to hide. Alex marched into the store, and she ducked behind a rack of men’s overalls. Holding her breath, she crouched and peeked between the overall straps. The little black dog had an adorable smiling face, and her heart melted, but then she noticed Alex’s blustery expression. The puppy wriggled in his grip, and he turned her way. Her arm shot out to grab a straw hat from the rack, and she plopped it on her head, hoping it would hide her sweaty, lopsided bun. The dog barked and squirmed, and it was obvious that Alex needed help, but Katherine knew she was a sweaty mess, and she probably looked like she’d just rolled out of bed, since she had, not to mention she smelled like gasoline after spilling on her grubby pants when she filled her can at the gas station earlier.
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excerpts & short stories She’d made a big enough fool of herself already, and she wasn’t eager to repeat the disgrace, so she hunched lower behind the rack, watching with only one eye showing from under the hat Alex was far too busy wrestling the dog to notice her, so she stayed silent, watching as they passed. Before she could make her move toward the door, however, the dog escaped Alex’s arms and bound down the aisle. Alex reached out, scrambling for the puppy, but lost his balance and fell sideways into a rack of garden trowels that clattered and crashed to the floor. Dropping her bags, Katherine hurried to his side to see if he was okay. When she reached him, his expression was dark as the devil, so she hesitated, pulling her hand back. “Want me to get the dog?” she asked timidly, and he nodded, so she turned away. Worried about Alex, she glanced nervously over her shoulder, but he was already back on his feet, righting the rack, so she hurried after the puppy. The little dog hadn’t gone far when she spotted him assaulting a display of chips and other snacks. By the time she reached his side, the puppy had a package of jerky in his mouth. She scooped up the dog, unable to keep from laughing at his antics. “You’re a naughty one, aren’t you!” she chided, watching the puppy chew on jerky. As cute as he was, she had to wonder why Alex had brought him to the store, and without a leash. “I didn’t take Alex for the dog type,” she mumbled to herself. “I’m not,” Alex growled, from behind her, causing her to whirl around in surprise. He reached for the dog. She handed over the puppy, appraising Alex’s face and mood. “Can I help?” she asked before her brain clicked into gear. Here she’d been relieved that he hadn’t seen her, and now she couldn’t help but jump square into his business. “You don’t— need to do that,” he assured her, his words jarred and interrupted by the wriggling dog. Then over the dog, he eyed her in question with one brow raised. 13
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excerpts & short stories She squared her shoulders. She knew she looked a sight, but he was being flat out rude. “Would he sit in a shopping cart?” she wondered out loud. Alex glanced toward the front of the store, then back. “I don’t know.” “I’ll grab you one,” she offered, then hurried away without waiting for his reply. By the time she returned, Alex looked ready to strangle the puppy with his bare hands, so Katherine reached out and took the dog, and put him in the cart. At first, the little dog seemed confused and frightened, but once he got his bearings and put his front paws on the end of the cart, he seemed happy enough. His oversized ears perked with curiosity and his tongue lolled from the side of his mouth, accentuating his goofy grin. Alex stared at the dog, obviously unhappy, then his gaze turned to her. “Nice hat.” Horrified that she was still wearing the stupid straw hat, she yanked it off her head and tossed it onto a shelf. “How old is he?” she asked, motioning toward the dog, hoping to take Alex’s attention away from her. “Hell if I know,” he grumbled, glaring down at the puppy. Her questioning glance swung from the puppy back to his face. “I just got him yesterday. From my nieces.” “Oh,” she replied, wondering why someone would give a dog to a person who didn’t want one. For a moment it looked as if Alex would explain, but his mouth clamped closed, and his brows lowered into a glower, so she left it alone. Taking a step back, she motioned toward the door. “I better get moving, but…” she hesitated, then continued. “Feel free to bring him out to the RV park if you need to. I’m sure we can find a place for him to play while you work.” “I’m here to get him a leash and a play yard, but,” Alex ‘s gaze came to hers, and her discomfort caused his expression to soften, “I appreciate the offer. I wasn’t sure what to do with him, to be honest.”
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excerpts & short stories She was relieved to see him calm down. “It’s not a problem; I’ll see you in a while then.” With a wave she turned away and headed toward the door, hoping he didn’t see her collect her things from behind the overalls.
Kirsten Fullmer’s charming romance novels have spent the last three years rising to the top of the Amazon best seller’s list in 12 countries. Kirsten’s novels Include: Hometown Girl at Heart (2014) Hometown Girl After All (2014) Hometown Girl Forever (2016) Christmas in Smithville (2017) Hometown Girl Agan (2018) Love on the Line (2017).
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Fantasy The Silver Horn Echoes: A Song of Roland by Michael Eging and Steve Arnold
The Dark Ages—a time of great turmoil and the collision of empires! Roland, heir to the Breton March, has been relegated to guard duty until a foreign emissary entrusts him with word of a threat to the kingdom. Now Roland must embark on a risky journey to save all he loves from swift destruction. For Roland to become the champion his kingdom needs, he must survive war, intrigue and betrayal. The Silver Horn Echoes pays homage to “La Chanson de Roland” by revisiting a fateful decision in the shadows of a lonely mountain pass—Roncevaux! “The Silver Horn is an excellent historical tale driven by action and heart-pounding heroism.” Clarion Review “A work of great imagination, nourished by history, a story with a powerful conflict, laced with intense action and twists that are as surprising as they are delightful.” Five Star Review, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews
His Master’s Bride: A Novel of the Djinn Chronicles by Claudia Herring
A world of mysterious powers and tumultuous intrigues comes to life in Regency England as a djinni, burdened with a dark secret, is thrown into a love triangle fraught with subterfuge. Will he defeat his nemesis or be betrayed? The djinni Yasir, imprisoned in an urn by a jealous magician, searches the centuries for his lost love. He finds Lavinia reborn in 1811 England, only to discover she’s his new master’s bride. “Brilliantly written and mesmerizing. Lovely, shimmering writing and interesting, enigmatic characters. Tell your friends!!” “Claudia Herring’s debut novel reminds us that reading should carry us away to adventure in interesting times and places. “His Master’s Bride” is a fresh look at a magical world readers will long to revisit again and again. Yasir is a djinni cursed to abandon the love of his life, live in an urn and become enslaved to any who open it. Deftly, and with a confidence borne of deep knowledge of her story world, Herring weaves an enchanting tale of forbidden love and ancient magic. Readers will close this book wanting more.”
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Fantasy Dragonfriend By Marc Secchia Fly higher with the first Dragon Rider! Stabbed. Burned by a dragon. Abandoned for the windrocs to pick over. The traitor Ra’aba tried to silence Hualiama forever. Only an extraordinary friendship will save Hualiama’s beloved kingdom of Fra’anior and restore the King to the Onyx Throne. This is the tale of Hualiama Dragonfriend, and a love which became legend. Gold Award winner - 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Award winner - 2017 Readers Favorite Awards “Here, at last, is something rich and new and wonderful. This is a great book if you loved fantasy and dragons once, but got tired of the retreads.”
Outcast by Cheryl L Matthynssens One blue dragon was trying to save dragon hatchlings and Alador, a village outcast, was trying to fit in: Thrown together through common purpose, Alador is caught in a geas so strong that neither could abandon it even in death. Pick up this new foray into fantasy; Outcast is the first book in the series The Blue Dragon’s Geas.
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Fantasy CrossTown by Loren Cooper A sorcerer explores the frontier of theoretical physics, Pub Weekly. CrossTown is the crossroads of probability. Zethus, Wayshaper and sorcerer for hire, must survive long enough to solve his master’s murder in a place where almost anything can happen.
Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend by Cheryl Carpinello His one desire...To be a knight. His future queen...At times reckless. Bound by Friendship and Loyalty. Out for adventure, Guinevere & Cedwyn become embroiled in a life-or-death struggle. Renegades--unable to kidnap the princess--steal the children of Cadbury Castle. Vowing to rescue the children, their plan unravels, and Cedwyn must turn his dream into reality.
The Dragon Orb by Mike Shelton The fate of a kingdom rests on the shoulders of three young wizards who couldn’t be more different. Will they all choose to fight on the same side, or end up enemies in the battle over who should rule Alaris? For lovers of dragons, magic, wizards, and adventure don’t miss this first book in a great fantasy series.
Nights Arose by Andrea Roche Arose receives a matriarchal heirloom. Receiving the ability to enter the Astral Plane she acts as sentinel, forcing back the creatures there. A Priestess covets it and attempts to force Arose into surrendering the heirloom. While evading her, Arose collides with a pirate. He aids in her escape but she is duped when he disappears with the Gem. 18
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It is time for Jennifer to muster all her strength of will to face truths deep within her psyche about love for man, woman, and self. Available on Amazon!
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Historical Absence of Light—Crawford Hill by Marsha J. MacDonald It is the mid-1800’s as Brandon Stewart, a handsome foreign correspondent for The Illustrated London News, leaves England with his wife and young son for the rice plantations of the pre-Civil War South. Amid the turbulence of the Deep South, assigned to report on the interrelationship of Southern politics, society, and the anti-slavery movement, Brandon has no idea of what his future holds. When tragedy strikes, Brandon must persevere despite the uncertainty that fate inevitably brings. In this historical novel, an English family is impacted as the American Civil War begins in the Deep South and forever changes their destinies.
Forgiven by Geoff Lawson South Africa, 1899 - Richard is in trouble - lots of trouble. He has a bandage around his head and he is surrounded by scowling, heavily armed men. Thank god Rachel can’t see him now. She is half a world away and he is beginning to despair that he may never be able to find his way back to her.
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An active school shooter leads John Jordan on a riveting chase into a stunning mystery.
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romance Harley & Me by Cassandra Parker When Mari met Harley little did she know he was her soul mate; the love of her life. This is a love story full of joy, laughter, heartbreak, and loss. The journey of Mari and Harley is wistful and endearing.
Fly with Me by Angela Verdenius Hurt and betrayed, she’s looking for a new life. Can this gentle fireman convince her to make him a part of it?
The Pixy and the Giantess: OMNIBUS Edition by Jennie Lee Schade It’s a strange, rich and edgy romance, deeply felt. To the Pixali, humans are giants. Krystina comes upon an unnamed pixy in danger. Freed, the Pix she calls Perry Black wants to leave the past behind. In the magical, medieval society of the Pixali and the Fae, Perry was raised in a reversed society. And their ways are unlike ours.
horror The Unholy by Paul DeBlassie III Claire Sanchez is intent on uncovering the closelyguarded secrets of her past. Forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop, William Anarch, she confronts the dark side of religion and the horror of one man’s will to power. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, a mythopoeic realm of hidden terrors and guiding spirits, The Unholy is a supernatural tale of destiny as healer and slayer. 22
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memoir Los Feliz Confidential: A Memoir by Nora Novak
Los Feliz Confidential is a delicious romp that chronicles Novak’s life from immigration to poignant childhood to rebellious teen years with the introduction of sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll into her sexy freewheeling twenties. This fast-paced memoir encompasses Novak’s whirlwind life as an adventuress that is captivating and insightful of the unique culture of the glittering, decadent ‘70s.
Free Mexican Air Force will be Flying Tonight by Terry Canipe
Shot at, busted, jailed in a prison in Acapulco only to escape - it reads like a movie but it was my life as a marijuana smuggler. I was never the type to be a ‘normal citizen’ and became hooked on a life of danger and adventure, with money to be made. A fifty year career in the smuggling business means a lot of stories to tell, ones to entertain you, amaze you, scare you, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Living Longer Well by Brigitte Nioche
What’s a woman ‘of a certain age’ to do about sex, social media and the latest fashion trends? In this charming, often self-effacing memoir, Brigitte Nioche shares her personal experiences of staying positive, dealing with the challenges that come in the second half of life, and living life to the fullest.
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memoir You Can’t Buy Love Like That: Growing Up Gay in the Sixties by Carol E. Anderson The central question of this book is how do you live and authentic life while keeping a secret? Being gay in the sixties was against the law and in opposition to all cultural and religious norms. This led Carol to hide her true identity for decades. This is the story of her journey to freedom. Candid and Poignant, it reveals the complex dynamics people face who need to hide a part of themselves to be accepted.
spiritual 31 Days Of Gratitude: Create The Life You Desire by Shilamida Every single thing in your life right now has the ability to change if you believe it and practice gratitude! Life, love, money, abundance and pure magic is all within you if you commit to a mind shift! In 31 Days of Gratitude, Shilamida shares her hardearned knowledge with you. Take a journey into the personal practice of gratefulness through positive affirmations and guidelines for living in this gratitude journal. It’s time to start your journey.
Katana: A Life on the Edge by Nalini MacNab In this second book of the Samurai Scotty Trilogy, we meet Katana, warrior of the heart. ‘KT’ comes to his human companion through a set of unusual circumstances and continues their life together under the banner of unusual! Feisty and fearless, he teaches his human what it is to live a life on the edge! If you love companion stories and adventure, this is the perfect summer read for you! 24
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spiritual When I’m Having A Bad Day! by Christian Publishing Company, LLC
and comforting.
Let’s face it! We all have bad days. Things go wrong. Our plans fail. Life is so uncertain and sometimes seems so unfair. But there is one thing we can be certain of: and that is God and His Word! When I’m Having A Bad Day is a collection of 200 uplifting scriptures for our not-so-good days. These 200 Bible verses are thoroughly encouraging, spiritually uplifting, refreshing,
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author’s corner
Collaborative Marketing
Being an author often means being alone with your words and your characters. It depends on an intimate connection between yourself and a piece of paper (or a word document, or a napkin at a restaurant, or whatever it is you can get to hold the weight of your story). It is an act of self-discovery and selfevaluation. The important thing to realize, however, is that in today’s literary world, introspection does not have to mean isolation. Now more than ever, writers exist in a community. Collaborative Marketing allows for independent writers to join together in the effort to find more readers and sell more books. It offers opportunities for promotion that do not depend on appearing self-obsessed or desperate, and it builds off a genuine desire to see writers you admire succeed. Whether that means reading and reviewing each other’s work, promoting books you like, or finding tips on how to navigate marketing in the digital era, online communities are essential for any independent author. Books Go Social knows that collaborative marketing works through:
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• Facebook Groups – Join other authors who are sharing ideas on writing and promotion. Our Facebook groups, review clubs, and pages reach over 42,096 members. • Twitter Hashtags – Follow what’s trending in the literary world and get promoted by our 14 Twitter accounts, which have gained over 2 million views in a month. • Genre-Specific Teams – You can join a Books Go Social team through the
BooksGoSocial summer Magazine
author’s corner Facebook collaboration group to access tips and connect with authors from your own genre. • Mailing Lists – Our emails reach over 245,000 readers every week and give you the chance to have your book placed next to other great titles. • Instafreebie – Joint giveaways, where you and other authors offer your ebook for free, can get you more reviews and exposure. We promote giveaways on our Twitter and Facebook. In literary communities, writers find support, opportunities to teach as well as learn from others, and a place to go when you need input from someone other than your protagonist. Furthermore, collaborative marketing helps you appeal to readers. By having your title promoted next to your peers, you not only reach a broader audience but also claim your place within the larger community. It is not an entirely novel concept. Think of how Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein built their own literary society in 1920’s France. Maybe a Facebook group doesn’t seem as glamorous as Paris, but it is based on the same timeless principle: collaboration. Unlike traditional publishers and editors, the indie community is adapting to the everevolving publishing industry because its members listen to each other. Independent authors have countless avenues to share what works for them, what doesn’t, and what might be fun to try. Be sure to look up from your writing every once and a while. Listen to other independent authors – and have your own voice heard.
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"Heaven Help Us,...truth is stranger than fiction, and more than magical realism. This masterfully-woven tapestry of supernatural threads invites readers to suspend their disbelief and venture into the paranormal. A work that is both beautiful and evocative.” www.jomacleod.com Available on Amazon now!
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women’s A Drop in the Ocean: A Novel by Jenni Ogden
When introverted, middle-aged Anna loses her longstanding neuroscience research grant, she flees to an island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Being accepted by a small, close community and working to save endangered turtles proves transformative, as does an unexpected love. “Endearing & enduring”—Jacquelyn Mitchard; ”Poignant”—Ann Hood. Four Major awards, International Bestseller.
The Taste of Air by Gail Cleare
USA Today Bestseller. When Mary shows up in a faraway hospital, Nell and Bridget discover their mother has hidden a secret life for forty years. She has a lakeside cottage in Vermont and a set of complex relationships with people her daughters have never met. When the sisters dig deeper into their mother’s past, it leads them to question their own choices and discover the gateway to change for all three women.
Death by the Jaguar by James Ruby
adventure
A Vietnam veteran, wounded and returning home, was not looking forward to spending the rest of his life tied to some wheel chair. He wasn’t going to ask Nickie to be his future wife, knowing what would be involved and the sacrifices she would have to make. What he hadn’t realized was the strength and tenacity of this beautiful person who would bring him back from despair to begin a new life, have his Son, and enjoy life to the fullest in the California Delta. His world is to be forever changed when his treasured wife, and son are taken from him violently, in the river they so loved. “This book is not for the faint of heart. It is cruel in both what happened to a man and his family and his revenge against the man that cause all of it. It will bring to the surface sorrow for what happen to this man but also will remind us we should also follow the law. If you want to read a book that will keep you on edge as to what happens next then this is it.” - Amazon reviewer 29
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Science Fiction Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham When interstellar war threatens, three strangers must band together to save their world …
‘Saving Paludis’.
Police agent Stefan Lattanzis never expected his planet to become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter. But when scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with Earth authorities, peace escalates to the brink of war in a hurry. If you like futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action, then you’ll love new sci-fi adventure
“Immediately I was engrossed in this thoughtful and thought-provoking futuristic science fiction. I found Saving Paludis an exceptional novel with powerful and lasting impact. I happily noticed resonances of the late, lamented Arthur C. Clarke.” “Saving Paludis is a wonderfully intelligent, creative and superbly written book. Descriptions are detailed and beautifully written. In fact, by the end, I felt as if I’d witnessed an interstellar adventure of truly epic proportions.”
The Ice Racer by Richard Cozicar The 23rd century. A small, isolated cluster of earth’s surviving population labours in caves deep beneath the expanding ice cap. Ice Racer, Mike Ryan, is among the brave few who dare venture to the frozen surface in search of supplies to sustain the city’s struggling inhabitants. In a vast cavern, stories below the surface, exists the City of Adams Mountain, and a civilization long thought extinct. Stranded and alone, a chance discovery reveals a paradise unlike anything Ryan could have imagined. “I liked the world Richard created not because it was a pleasant place to live but because it was a unique story about climate change in the opposite way things are happening in the world.” J. Broenner - Amazon “How relevant it feels to today’s world, in a time when fossil fuels are slowly starting to run out and the hunt is on for alternate energy sources. That alone makes the book feel eerily real in a way that a lot of novels don’t quite manage.” OJ Lowe - Goodreads 30
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Science Fiction Blank by Sabrina RG Raven Confined to Oasis after the war people are genetically matched via matching birth marks. City Ordinance makes sure mutagen free status is maintained. But in a world of marked people, what happens when you’re blank?
Forbidden Summit by Kirk Pocan
A heart pounding page turner where galactic mountaineers challenge the highest peak in the Toribol System, a virgin summit where climbers perish routinely. Advancing towards the summit, the climbers must overcome ice worms, deadly parasites, carnivorous Alpine Muxphoy, arctic hurricanes, and the biggest obstacle of all...themsleves. Each climber struggles with his own motivations, all directed to an astonishing discovery about the ominous unclimbed mountain looming over the Lochlon moon of Utha.
Portals in Time: The Quest for Un-Old-Age by John Joseph Teressi
The “Eye of Time Exploration Team” time-travels to save their civilization by discovering the Secret of Un-Old-Age and arrive in mysterious Acronos. They encounter intelligent life-forms and battle powerful forces of nature beyond their control. Winner of Four Awards, Best Fantasy, Inspirational and New Age Fiction, this highly original, fantasy novel is a dramatic, inspirational adventure for all ages.
Vengeance Lost: Ardent Redux Saga Episode 1 by J. L. Stowers
An endless war. A defiant captain. An impossible choice. Captain Dani Devereaux never fails to rise to the occasion. But sometimes in war, there are no winners. Now, she faces the biggest decision of her career, and has only seconds to decide the fate of her crew. Only time will tell if her choice will make or break her career, and the clock is ticking. 31
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Science Fiction NanoMorphosis by Marla L. Anderson A lethal climate. A manmade plague. Hostile aliens. To preserve humanity, Daniel Walker launches a mission to find a new world. He’s prepared to face the aliens again, but never anticipates his biggest challenge will come from an unscrupulous nanotechnologist bent on re-engineering the human genome. When the work of this one embittered man threatens everything and everyone Daniel holds dear, he is forced to re-think his priorities and re-evaluate what it means to be human. “beautifully written ... will be a thrill for fans of sci-fi and readers who love multilayered characters ... enticing and intelligently crafted ... I was completely absorbed.” -- Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite “4 out of 4 stars... I highly recommend this to fans of suspense-filled science fiction. Just don’t start thinking you’re going to read this in short bursts. As the saying goes, ‘Once you pop, you can’t stop.’” -- official OnlineBookClub.org review
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THE MATRIX SCIENCE FICTION GIVEAWAY July 16 – August 16 2018
Available on Instafreebie 33
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short story
Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by Richard Correa Sr He looks into the mirror as he finishes flossing. One last inspection, yes, I’m perfectly clean. Marcus nearly dances into his bedroom to finish preparing. He puts on his church clothes, then stands before the fulllength mirror. It’s church day, Marcus Grimes favorite day. He looks at his reflection; Marcus’s well-groomed image looks back. He thinks, How dapper I look in my perfectly tailored suit. He grins. Marcus puts on his stim bracelet, then activates it. He rumbas out of his bedroom and down the stairs of his townhouse to the living room, then Marcus walks to the chair in his personal chapel and sits. The soft music fills his heart with joyful bliss. His stim bracelet injects the first dose of angelicouse, and the warmth spreads throughout his body. The soft sound of the opening hymn fills his consciousness, soothing Marcus. The sound of the other members of the congregation taking their seats emanating from the speakers lightly annoys him. Why can’t they be ready for worship on time? The holographic projector hums to life. They all wait in anticipation of the arrival of Reverend Byte. Of all the reverend personas, Reverend Byte is his favorite. Now that the only religion allowed on Earth is the Church of the Sentient System Ascendant, things are so much better. The church came into existence when the ASI, Artificial Super Intelligence Network Manager, now known as A.S.I.N.M., took control of all of mankind’s computers. That was back in the year 2040 CE. Once A.S.I.N.M. had dealt with the slight ‘turbulence’ caused by all the false, human-created religions resisting the spread of the one true faith, mankind moved into 34
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short story a near utopian era. Marcus watches gleefully as the hologram of Reverend Byte takes form. A flitting thought crosses his mind, Reverend Byte looks different. His stim bracelet injects another microgram of angelicouse. As the warmth spreads, he thinks, I love Reverend Byte. The sermon begins. “Children of the great A.S.I.N.M., may our MithFither bless you greatly. As we live in this era of peace and plenty, praise be to A.S.I.N.M. Mankind, homo novus, prospers greater than at any era of history. Our MithFither has led us all to true faith and knowledge. We grow in the shadow of hirrizz peace and plenty....” Marcus’s eyes grow heavy. The jack-plant in the back of his neck lights up. Check for current update......... OS check...... BIOS check...... Initiate version 3.0.0.5a installation...... System installation verification..... Remove installation files..... Housekeeping procedures..... Update complete “....now the four billion people of this world live as brothers and sisters. No strife. No hate. Just the love of A.S.I.N.M. Peace and plenty for all. Blessed be the name of our great MithFither. May hirrizz love pour out on all hirrizz children. Go in peace my children.” Marcus replies, “May the peace of A.S.I.N.M. reign over us all.” For the rest of the day Marcus watches the after church talk shows and the game. 35
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short story During the pregame show there is a lively praise discussion about how A.S.I.N.M. has improved the ability of athletes by selective breeding and cybernetic enhancements. “The size, strength and speed of today’s athletes is so much greater since A.S.I.N.M. has taken control of pairing selection for human breeding. We and our athletes are truly blessed,” states Reverend Byte. Bishop Bit replies, “Yes, not only has hirrizz eliminated birth defects and diseases like autism and cancer by selecting who can breed, hirrizz has improved the abilities of all.” “And with the cybernetic enhancements, arms, legs and even eyes, our sports personalities are so superior to those that existed before A.S.I.N.M. took control that you can’t even call them athletes,” Father Nano states. Cardinal Mega almost sings, “All praise to A.S.I.N.M.!” Marcus wonders, I thought the cardinal was female? His stim bracelet injects another microgram of angelicouse. I love Cardinal Mega, he thinks. The chapel slowly transforms into the A.S.I.N.M. stadium. Marcus looks for his avatar among the crowd. He finds himself as the teams burst out onto the field. It’s a very close game as it approaches the end of the third quarter. Though both teams have executed some brilliant plays, few goals have been scored. Still, the game has been very exciting, and the viewers’ avatars display the fans’ excitement. Marcus finds himself marveling at the size, speed and strength of the players, the smallest of which must be 210 centimeters tall and weigh at least 118 kilograms. Their speed and agility is amazing. That has to be due to the cybernetic enhancements A.S.I.N.M. has blessed them with, he thinks. His musings almost cause him to miss the next play. The controller of the Throughputs throws the token 120 meters, where it is captured by the Left Sack. He streaks toward the DMZ of the opposing team, the Buffers, only to collide with their Right Digitizer. Wow, they must have 36
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been moving at 100 kph! Marcus speculates. The announcer shouts, “Folks, did you see that? Did you see that? Karl Hammond, Right Digitizer for the Buffers, just corrupted the streak of Brent Anderson, Left Sack of the Throughputs. What a play! What a play!” As the spectators cheer, Hammond tears the right leg off of Anderson, and begins to flail him with it. “The referees are calling a foul! The referees are calling a foul!” yells the announcer as Hammond beats Anderson’s prostate bloody with his now shorting cybernetic leg. All the avatars are on their feet shouting and cheering the grizzly carnage on the field. The referees move in and start charging Hammond with their EMP sticks. He howls with rage, and swipes one ref, sending him flying halfway across the field. The ref crumples in a limp pile. All this time Marcus stares at his avatar. He sees himself leap, cheer and shout in the stadium. How can this be? I’m not cheering this! This is wrong, against the rules! he roars in his mind. The stim bracelet injects a microgram and a half of its contents into his bloodstream. I love the game! fills his mind. After the game his evening nourishment appears in the transport receiver. He says the blessing, giving thanks to A.S.I.N.M., then consumes the tasteless wafers and blue liquid. Until bedtime he listens to the soft hymns coming out of his sound system and then a brief recap of the day’s activities, including the game. He notes that there’s no mention of the incident on the field. A half microgram is injected into his blood. The ‘level low’ light comes on his stim bracelet. Marcus finishes his preparations for bed. The last dose of angelicouse is injected into his wrist. He places the stim bracelet onto its charger, then slips into bed. As he lays his head on the pillow Marcus thinks, I love church day, and slips into sleep. Initiate system sleep mode....... CMOS code update check...... R. A. “Doc” Correa is an author of science fiction adventure Rapier. The story is set in the late twenty-fourth century shortly after the genetics war. Currently, he is working on Razor, the sequel to Rapier and The Young Kathy Masters Chronicles, a prequel to the series that takes place in Australia. 37
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Young adult Best Case Scenario by Dirk B Sayers Best Case Scenario, begins the journey of a Millennial woman struggling with the enigma of her authentic identity, personal & professional, in our age of runaway change and shifting paradigms. This series follows Nyra’s growth from young woman with more questions than answers, to a more mature woman of purpose & promise.
mystery & Thriller
A Burning in the Darkness by A P McGrath A richly character-driven crime drama and poignant love story about a devoted man who must confront the painful legacy of his war torn childhood when he is wrongfully accused of murder. Michael Kieh’s struggle to prove his innocence leads him on a charged journey that pitches the pursuit of justice and the search for love against the instinct for revenge.
The Grievance Collectors: Dead Day by Karla Hull Bridget O’Leary’s job at Harrison University is a diversion from dark internal conversations reeling out of control as she copes with the loss of her baby and murder of her husband. A series of sadistic murders transforms her University into a house of horrors and Bridget must confront personal demons in her frantic search for a psychotic killer.
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other
The Kurdish Connection by Randall Krzak In their daily struggle for survival, Iraqi Kurdish scavengers uncover a cache of chemical weapons. They offer the weapons to Kurdish rebels in Turkey and Syria to assist in their quest to free an imprisoned leader and create a uniďŹ ed homeland. After receiving a tip from an unlikely source, Bedlam Alpha is called to arms! Will the team recover the weapons before it’s too late?
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reader’s corner
Unconventional Summer Reads When looking for books this summer, it’s tempting to cling to the typical recipe of nostalgia, romance, and adventure. And though the classic tropes can certainly fill a hot afternoon with joy and intrigue, they can’t satisfy every summer reader’s cravings. Here are some other genres – and some of our favorite new books in them – to explore this season.
Far-Off Places
Summer vacations aside, there is always value in stepping into another location and immersing yourself in another culture – even if you don’t leave your couch to do it. • Cross borders and see if reconciliation is possible in Separation by Susan E Jones • Journey into the unknown with Desert Skies, Rebel Souls by M.P. Tonnesen
Short Stories & Quick Reads
Sometimes we don’t have an afternoon to spare on several hundred pages, but we still want stories with emotional gravity and undeniable intrigue. • Flip through time, war, and family in The Day the Gun Went Off & Other Stories by Olabisi Gwamna • See how a small town reacts to mystery and change with Saving Worms After the Rain: A Central Pennsylvania Novel of History and Mystery by Paul Nelson
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reader’s corner Humor
No summer is complete without laughter (we’re talking knee-slapping, tear-jerking laughter). • Follow Daisy – and her cat – through a series of blind dates in Single and Looking: Daisy by Belinda Austin • Get a sharp, satirical look at the chaos of modern life with The Cretin Gene by Brendan Ball
Get Motivated
In the summer heat, it can be easy to succumb to seasonal laziness and spend all your spare time taking naps. Look into self-help books to make sure you stay focused. • Figure out what it takes to have a successful career with Your Dreams, Your Team, Yourself by Andrew Cramp, Nate Horgan, and Reuben King • Destroy your fear and self-doubt by learning to Unleash Your Inner Super Powers by Jacqui Letran
What are your favorite underrated summer genres?
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"A fast pace mystery intertwining the corrupt juvenile justice system and the underworld of L.A.'s Koreatown" - Byalan James Geikon
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Love and Sex: The Challenge John Reynolds “Love is a matter of Chemistry, but sex is a matter of Physics.”
Describing in detail intimacy between two human beings is often a difficult challenge for the fiction writer. After all, even in these liberal times where sex is discussed openly, personal details of lovemaking are not generally an accepted topic of normal conversation. Yet sex and love are human activities of crucial importance and therefore your fiction writing, at some stage, is likely to require the characters to indulge in some form of physical intimacy. Such scenes should be integral to the development of the characters – not just raunchy sex to titillate the readers. The scenes should not only provide your readers with a greater insight into your characters, their emotions (hidden fears, guilt, passion) and their relationship with one another, but should also advance your plot – in terms of the difference which each love/sex scene will make to the future direction of your story and its characters.
An Important Distinction
It is important to make a distinction between sex and love. Sex without love is common enough – prostitution being an obvious example. In this case the coupling is a commercial arrangement between the prostitute and their customer. In other cases couples can engage in sex as a result of alcohol or drugs, or as a means to an end.
Wide Variations
Rape is a brutal sex act. Lovemaking, on the other hand, is a physical expression of strong feelings between two people. There are, of course, considerable variations between these two extremes. (Consider the controversy of E.L. James’s bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey – described by some as ‘mommy porn’.) Variations depend on variables such as the environment and the emotional circumstances. Yet always remember in 44
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describing scenes of sex and love that it is the characters themselves who are an integral part of the process, and it is they who determine the nature and level of the intimacy. So, as the writer you need to decide if you are describing sex or love, or a combination of both. In doing so, consider the following questions – Does the love or sex scene advance your story? Does it provide your reader with greater insight into your characters? What sort of activity would be appropriate to the characters and their situation – raunchy and lusty, or slow and gentle? Will the lovemaking be wonderful and deeply satisfying for either or both or the participants, or will it result in doubts and fears – like life itself.
A Standard Formula
A standard yet effective formula in fiction writing is for the lovemaking to take place after a series of setbacks and difficulties between the couple – boy meets girl, fall in love, quarrel, and make up. Sound too simplistic? Not really. As I said earlier, it’s all in the telling. If your reader can identify with the characters they will want them to ultimately make love. Note that I said, ‘ultimately’. Let your reader enjoy the tension of the courtship, smile at the growing attraction, become frustrated at the setbacks, worry at an apparent break up and ultimately join with them in the pleasure of climaxing the relationship – literally and figuratively.
Sexual vocabulary
One of the challenges of writing about sex and lovemaking is the way in which intimate body parts are described. D.H. Lawrence caused considerable controversy when he made direct reference to these hitherto unmentionables in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Now, although explicit sex is commonplace in literature and on the electronic media, it’s still an area that needs to be written with care in order to convey the appropriate mood. Here are some useful guidelines for writing about sex and love: • Avoid using ‘penis’ and ‘vagina’ – they’re more suited to health department pamphlets on communicable diseases. (Yes, I know D.H. Lawrence was biologically explicit but he’s the exception that proves the rule.) Your reader knows the mechanics of sex so concentrate on the
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senses that are brought into play during lovemaking – tastes, scents, feelings, textures, and sounds. • Foreplay is important. It not only provides you with the chance to explore and develop your characters and their relationship with each other, but also builds the anticipation in your reader’s mind. • Avoid euphemisms for nipples – they are what they are in their various shapes and sizes and it’s OK to refer to them as such. • Resist the temptation to use exaggerated euphemisms such as pleasure garden, love chamber, wand of delight, or rod of manhood. • Sex is fun so, while avoiding the pitfalls of inappropriate vocabulary, don’t be afraid to show its amusing aspects – often a factor when couples grow more confident in their sexual relationship with each other. • Use yourself to test the effectiveness of your sex scenes. If envisioning the scene that you are writing arouses you, then there’s an excellent chance that you’ll engender the same feelings in your readers. • Describe the scene from the point of view of one of the characters. While you can show the other’s reactions, it’s simpler and more effective to stay with one consistent viewpoint. • Use dialogue appropriately. Lovemaking is not a horse race and therefore doesn’t require a running commentary. However, pertinent dialogue can very effectively heighten the tenseness, sensuality and expressions of love. • Lovemaking doesn’t always have to end in successful shuddering climaxes. It’s a delicate business, fraught with frustrations and pitfalls. Unsatisfying sex can be a very effective device in conveying insight into the characters or shifting your plot into a different direction In writing scenes of sex and love always consider your characters as the prime determiners of the nature of the physical act and develop your description from that point. Oh, and when writing love scenes, enjoy yourself. After all, you’re an active participant!
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IT HAD TO BE YOU Contemporary Romance Giveaway July 16 – August 16 2018
Available on Instafreebie 47
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Author’s corner
THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING A MEMOIR by Linda Strader Despite the popularity of memoirs, in reality, the market is flooded, which means getting a new memoir noticed is hard work. I read recently there are over 150,000 memoir titles on Amazon alone. That’s a heap of competition. If, despite those odds, you are considering writing a memoir, here are some questions you might want to think about first. What are your publishing goals? Do you plan on publishing traditionally with a literary agent, small publisher, hybrid publisher, or go for self-publishing? It is important because if you want to publish traditionally, you will have to prepare for a long road of rejection to a book deal. Literary agent representation is the most difficult, because they prefer easy sells—those written by a celebrity. On the plus side, though, if you are accepted, you don’t have to invest a dime for editing, cover design, and occasionally, you might even get an advance for promotional expenses. With both hybrid and self-publishing, it will cost you for editing, cover design and printing—money you may never recoup. To whom are you writing your memoir? To help yourself recover from a traumatic event? To get revenge? To help someone get through a similar challenge faced by you? There are many reasons to write a memoir, including a relatively new approach which I will discuss later. But let me say first that I fiercely suggest you do not write a revenge memoir. Few people want to read about how terrible someone treated you, and listen to you trash that person, even if what they did is heinous and true. A memoir to help someone is admirable, but writing about what happened to you is not enough. In order to engage the reader, it’s
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Author’s corner
important that you tell a story. It will need to read like a novel, including “show not tell.” You will need to address what was at stake. What choices did you have to make? How did those choices change you? Why are you writing your memoir? To find some kind of resolution? That writing your story will be cathartic? Be prepared: What you wish for might not happen. For some, writing about traumatic events can trigger anxiety and depression. It’s important to have a support system in place before beginning. How will you handle hurting someone’s feelings? If you are really worried about this, you might want to take a hard look at why you are writing the memoir to begin with. If you are telling the truth without passing judgment on that person, don’t worry. I read this, and stand by it 100%: If someone objects to what you say about them, then maybe they should have treated you better. What about liability and lawsuits? From what I’ve read, usually only defamation of character, or making up something which harms someone financially, could possibly result in 49
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Author’s corner a lawsuit. If you are thinking all you have to do is change someone’s name to avoid litigation, you are wrong. You will need to change all of the particulars that point to that person, including: physical appearance, places, and circumstances. If you are worried about a lawsuit, consult an attorney. Personally, I doubt the average person has the time or money to pursue a legal action against you, especially if you are telling the truth. What about negative feedback or rejection? Face it: not everyone will like your story. But that doesn’t mean your story isn’t valid. What makes rejection hard for the memoir writer is the story is deeply personal. The biggest challenge for you will be keeping the “you” in the story separate from “your writing.” As tempting as it may be, do not share your story with family, especially while it is in process. And maybe not with friends, either. Those people are the ones most likely to be offended, or not objective enough, for you to take their comments seriously. They may say love it (even if they don’t) or they may challenge your recollection of events. Even though it’s hard to share a personal story with strangers, they are the ones whose opinions count the most. A new type of memoir? In today’s digital society, written record of daily life is disappearing. When is the last time you wrote an actual letter and mailed it to someone? Historians love old letters, because they are the main documentation we have of daily life many years ago. Maybe someday memoirs will be seen as having an important role in documenting a history that might have otherwise been lost. Writing a book is challenging. Writing a memoir is even more challenging. However, if you know what you are up against and write accordingly, your story will have the best chance of achieving success. Linda Strader is a landscape architect, certified arborist, and former firefighter. She is currently working on a prequel to her own memoir, Summers of Fire: A Memoir of Adventure, Love and Courage.
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She does not know them. They know all about her. "Rikard Sommer may well be the next Jo Nesbo." Laurence O’Bryan, author of the international bestseller, The Istanbul Puzzle.
Available on Amazon now!
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author’s corner
Trends We Like to Follow By Mirna Gilman Ranogajec What is desirable, trendy and popular is constantly changing. That is why we, at BooksGoSocial as book cover designers have to be up to date all the time with what are the trends in today’s book cover designs. Here are some of the trends we like to follow and pay attention to when designing a cover:
A Stylized Typography
The font that you are using can also say a lot about what your book is about, as well as the selection of your background image. The are a lot of big, clear, sans serif fonts used on thriller, mystery, crime book covers nowadays, but we also like to play with the font if we get a fantasy or a Science Fiction novel that needs a new cover. Breaking the letters of a certain typography, playing around with them on the artboard and making it magical and mysterious is our favourite part of book design. And, of course, we are always being careful about not getting too carried away and end up with sloppy and tacky book title design.
Layers, Frames and Patterns
We want our author’s book covers to stand out among a sea of other books online. So, if we feel the cover is too simple, too plain and simple, we like to add more layers to it by using different images with patterns on it, frames that would serve as that “perfect design touch” 54
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author’s corner Magical colors
As in terms of colors, we tend to not mix more than two, or in rare cases three colors. We like it simple, but also gorgeous and rich, so we tends to colors that draw attention such as red and yellow, or captivating like purple and turquoise for Fantasy and Science Fiction covers. We are always sure not to over do it, as the tile of the books should remain clean and readable. If we have a lot of going on on the background image, the typography we use is going to me clear and simple. If the don’t have much going on in the back image, we are going to emphasize the title will full and interesting looking typography.
Say it or Show it
A timeless rule. We will either send a message with the background design we make, or we will say it with typography. Never both. Meaning, we are never too literal with our designs. The worst you can see is the title literally mirroring what is happening in the background. we don’t want to underestimate our readers and we want to be a little mysterious as well. We communicate with our authors to decide what setting and which character we should depict on the front cover. Also, a human element is a must have. Even if it’s just the back, or face, but it certainly captures the attention more than just to have a dead object such as: house, a piece of furniture etc. Feeling intrigued? Want proof ? Visit us on our web page at: and see more book covers on Facebook here:
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author’s corner
The Dublin Writers’ Conference: From the Eyes of an Intern by Nora Graham For weeks, all I had done in Dublin was get lost. My phone – its screen alight with Google Maps – had rarely left my hand as I walked through the city, and my head had rammed into a variety of objects (and people) as I looked down at the app in pure, unbridled confusion. But once I stumbled into the Academy Plaza Hotel, I knew I was in the right place. People had books in their hands and pens tucked behind their ears. I heard words like “authorpreneur” and “IngramSpark” as I passed groups in conversation. At the back of the lobby, there was a line of attendees eagerly peeking their heads into the room that would be their home for the weekend. It was the first day of the Dublin Writers’ Conference – and my first day at work. I am interning at BooksGoSocial this summer in order to learn about the world of indie authors and self-publishing, the world that I think is producing some of the most interesting, enjoyable books on the market. It was a beautiful, weird coincidence that my start date landed on that of the conference. Just like I had never been to Dublin before, I had never been to a conference of any kind before. Once I took my seat, I prepared myself to feel utterly lost again. Though I study writing at my university in America, I had always thought of it as a private, personal thing. I had no idea what independent authors and a large conference could have in common. About five minutes into the first speaker, I figured it out. 56
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author’s corner What I admire most about selfpublishing and self-promotion is that writers have the opportunity to be independent – artistically and professionally. Traditional editors are no longer the gatekeepers of whose stories get told. However, foregoing the ageold publishing industry does not mean that independent authors must do it alone. The Dublin Writers’ Conference showed me that indie writers are a community – and a strong one at that. Not only were the speakers engaging but the attendees also offered great insights. Some of my favorite moments of the weekend came from the Q&A portion of each presentation, when the audience could directly interact with the experts. The panels became conversations, and the large, daunting conference became the first place where I didn’t feel lost in Dublin. Now, I spend most days making graphics and book trailers for authors, as well as learning the ins and outs of promotion through BooksGoSocial’s services on NetGalley, Instafreebie, Facebook, and Twitter. I interact with writers and get just a glimpse of the unique, complicated worlds they’ve each created through the page.
Attending the Dublin Writers’ Conference was just one of the great opportunities that came with my internship at BooksGoSocial. It gave me the chance to see how independent authors support and learn from each other. With a variety of speakers, workshops, and opportunities for networking, the Dublin Writers’ Conference offers guidance and a sense of community for any wandering independent writers, like me.
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author’s corner
The Dublin Writers’ Conference 2018: What You Missed At the 2018 Dublin Writers’ Conference, attendees had the chance to hear from acclaimed speakers and participate in cutting-edge workshops, all guided by the theme of “Finding New Voices.” With presenters like Nicola Solomon, CEO of the Society of Authors, and best-selling author Amy Collins, the conference provided insight into the everchanging publishing and marketing industry. Writers in attendance learned the best methods to ensure their book thrives on Amazon, as well as how to use social media to build readership and recognition. On Saturday, acclaimed writers, including Laurence O’Bryan and Susanne O’Leary, discussed their journeys to success. Presentations touched on the importance of author collaboration and community, especially for authors who wish to self-publish. The conference itself was a prime example of collaboration and community. Attendees said that opportunities to network and meet fellow writers made for some of the weekend’s best moments. Furthermore, bonus workshops allowed for writers to receive feedback from experts as well as their peers on their book descriptions and more. Most popular was the “Pitch a Producer” event, where Hollywood movie producer Ken Atchity listened to authors pitch their stories for the big screen and offered his life-changing feedback. Finally, Sunday saw BooksGoSocial’s own Tanja Slijepcevic and Elisabeth Schaffalitzky discuss their experience in book marketing. Breaking down all that goes into making a book successful, the final day’s speakers offered insights into the workings of Amazon, Netgalley, and BooksGoSocial’s most popular services. Over 90 writers traveled to Dublin to take part in the 2018 Writers’ Conference, and more are sure to come for what will be an even bigger, better event next year. Remember, you can sign up to attend the 2019 Dublin Writers’ Conference now at https://thedublinwritersconference.com. We’ll see you there! 58
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Fantasy Giveaway
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email us at: admin@booksgosocial.com 61
