Click the picture to visit our message board.
Arrivals - Book Releases
Book Store - Order Copies of Our Books
Join the New Readers' Station Social Networking Site
My Space - Readers' Station Page
Virtual Book Tours - Click For More Info
Tour Guides
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008
|
|
|
Welcome to May - In this issue, publishers Claudia Regenos and Arline Chase offer different perspectives on the Amazon situation. There’s also an interview with Muze, some poetry and plenty of news. Pick your destination, find a comfortable seat and enjoy the view from the window. Thank you for traveling with the Reader’s Station crew. The Reader’s Station Quarterly comes out in February, May, August and November. Make sure you don’t miss your next copy.
|
Escape With Us Every time we open a book we invite the author to whisk us away to a new and exciting place. It’s the common bond that unites readers and the authors who write them. Reader’s Station gives readers exclusive peeks into the worlds books inhabit. From historical to contemporary to the worlds of fantasy and pure imagination, there are many exciting places the Reader’s Station authors want to take you. So hop aboard for an adventure you’ll not forget.
Tour guides this issue Elena Dorothy Bowman http://elenadb.home.comcast.net Nikki Leigh http://www.nikkileigh.com Donna Sunblad - http://www.theinkslinger.net/ Anne Whitfield - http://www.annewhitfield.com Angela Verdenius http://www.angelaverdenius.com Bryn Colvin http://www.myspace.com/brynneth_n_colvin Dorice Nelson - http://www.doricenelson.com Ginger Simpson - http://www.gingersimpson.com |
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly May 2008 Where Readers and Authors Mingle Glad to be in Amazon's Basket The following is quoted from Publisher's Weekly's Daily website. "Amazon has notified publishers who print books on demand that they will have to use Amazon's POD facilities if they want to sell their books directly on Amazon.com, the Wall Street Journal reported. "The move signals that Amazon is intent on using its position as the premier online bookseller to strengthen its presence in other phases of bookselling and manufacturing," the Journal continued. Amazon "has evolved into a fully vertical book publishing and retail operation. Most recently, Amazon acquired audiobook seller Audible Inc. Amazon also sells its own ebook reader called the Kindle." Amazon has a right to make whatever business decision they wish to. While we sympathize with those legitimate small publishers who print elsewhere, forgive us if we don't shed tears for the large subsidy houses who are in business largely to bilk wannabe authors. You know the ones I mean. The ones who say they charge "no fees" but then want to be paid for editing, and proofreading, and cover design, unless you want black letters on a white background. From what we have seen of actual shut downs, so far, these are the "publishers" who have been most targeted and affected. In a world where most people still equate POD with Subsidy publishing and with shoddy work, I believe this policy can only enhance those of us who are small press publishers using the POD technology. Now I'm not naive enough to believe that's why they did it. But I do think it will help people realize the difference in the long run. While wearing my other hat as a writing teacher, I once counseled a student that it would be difficult to find a publisher without cutting his 600,000 word memoir. Then he found a subsidy publisher who saw "no problem" with the length, nor with using his grandchild's crayon sketch (made on lined notebook paper) on the front cover -- he saved money on all those nasty proofreading and editing fees and proudly produced, eventually, a nine pound $37.00 paperback with a cover designed by a second-grader and a text full of grammar mistakes. I DID try to teach him the difference betwee to, too, and two, but he didn't listen to me about that, either. Publishing houses notwithstanding, authors are always free to list their own books with Amazon's "Advantage" program. If they are subsidy published, that is what they should be doing, anyway. Our customer number with Booksurge is 00001, so we were with them a long time before Amazon bought the company--a decision made by ebooks's founder, Connie Foster. But we must say the service there has improved greatly since Amazon came on board. Both quality of product, and efficiency of service are better than ever. Plus the prices actually Dropped. So for legitimate publishers who do not charge fees, this could actually be GOOD news. Best, Owner Write Words, Inc - Cambridge Books and ebooksonthe.net
|
|
Hard Times for Small HousesThe megalith, Amazon, is by definition, structure and design a
corporation. Corporations are businesses designed to make profit. The way to
profit is to command as much of the market as possible. Through very, very
careful planning and growth control, Amazon, as a world-wide book
distributor has cornered so much of the distribution market that Brick and
Mortars are already on the endangered species list, and monster distribution
hubs like Publisher's Group West are collapsing like houses built on sand.
And now through Press Releases distributed by Amazon and Publish America, we
learn that Amazon has demanded that Publish America use Amazon's
manufacturing system (Book Surge ) because, according to Amazon, it can no
longer afford the hassle of POD and placing back orders to fulfill shipment
demands. nd the limited capital requirements of getting a book into
print AND distribution. The impact on the small press is clear. Amazon is
making it impossible for us to use their very ingenious distribution system.
In the traditional system, that would be because small presses are not
filling the requirements of the customers, therefore, small presses are a
burden greater than they're worth. Somehow, that doesn't ring true because
we see our own sales and industry statistics that tell us Small Presses as a
whole are about to overrun the sales of NY houses, in a constantly shrinking
market.
|
|
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 – Page 3
Interview With Muze – of Muze’s Musings (Muze’s Musings is the title of Nikki Leigh’s blog and a column in Book Promo 101) In my latest release – Book Promo 101: Learn the Basics of Book Promotion, there are tips interspersed throughout the book in the Muze’s Musings column. That element of Book Promo 101 is what inspired the title for Nikki’s blog – www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com. I thought it would be fun for others to get to know Muze a bit better. First, he is a real cat and that is his picture in the book. At the moment I’m writing this, he is lying about 4 feet from my computer and he is sprawled out on a stuffed bear. It looks like a very comfortable place to “meditate” and sleep. There’s a picture of Muze with the bear on the blog. I do have another cat, Shadow, who has been with me for almost six years. He’s a bobtail cat and spoiled rotten. Actually, they are both spoiled rotten – but most cats I’ve ever met are spoiled. Muze came to live with me about 2 years ago and he was about 7 weeks old at the time. So, he’s been with me almost his whole life. I got him right after I started freelancing fulltime, so he’s used to having me home most of the time. He gets upset when I go to the grocery store – isn’t it great to be missed? Muze spends much of the day curled up beside me. There are mornings when I turn on the laptop and Muze hears the Windows music when the computer is starting up, he runs through the house and gets settled beside the computer. If I don’t start working soon, he starts “talking” to me. He knows it’s time to start working. Muze is actually very shy and he even hides from my family. Although, he is starting to come out from under the bed when dad and mom drop by. I’ve taken off for a week and had friends or my aunt feed Shadow and Muze and they all insist that they never saw Muze the whole time I was gone. One day maybe he’ll be more friendly, but for now Shadow and I get his full attention. Well, he also gives the birds outside my house a lot of attention, but they come up on the deck and tease my cats. They love to rest by the back door and the birds sit in the trees in my back yard and on the deck rail. It gets very animated late in the day. I’m going to talk with Muze and see what he has to say. If anyone has questions for him, feel free to send them to me and I’ll include them on the blog (nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com). NIKKI – Good morning, Muze. How are you this morning? MUZE – I’m just relaxing stretched out on the bear and looking out the window. It’s rainy and cool, so there aren’t any squirrels running around in the flower beds this morning. NIKKI – You do look really comfortable. The weather is supposed to clear up soon, so the squirrels and the birds should be back soon. MUZE – That sounds good. What are you working on this morning? NIKKI – I’m taking a break from working on scheduling Dyan Garris’ next virtual book tour and I’m writing an article about you. MUZE – (he sits up very straight and proud) You’re writing about ME. Sounds like an interesting topic. NIKKI – That’s my Muze. I told the readers that you have a column in Book Promo. Do you want to tell them what is included in that part of the book? MUZE – Muze’s Musings is named for me and it’s a place where I share promotional tips and tidbits with you. Nikki had many authors and some business people contribute some of their promotional experiences and that was a great part of the book. But, I’m her writing assistant and it’s so great that she decided to give me a column. I really like that she used that name for her blog. NIKKI – Do you pick on Shadow that he doesn’t have a blog named after him? MUZE – No, not yet. I might save that for one day when he’s picking on me about something. I really think he would be jealous and you know, we’re really good friends… most of the time. NIKKI – I think he would be jealous too. I’m thinking about including him in Book Promo 201 – so he will have his own column. Don’t you think that’s fair? MUZE – I guess it would be fair – to him. NIKKI – Don’t worry, you’ll still be there. MUZE – That would be all right – just don’t leave me out. NIKKI – Muze, how could I leave you out? It’s so cute that you curl up beside me and rest your head on my leg when I’m working. I have noticed that you get kind of insistent when I’m on the phone. MUZE – I know you have to talk with clients and I understand you have a radio show on Monday afternoons, but I wish you could play with me while you’re on the phone. NIKKI – I’ll try to do better. Just be patient when I’m on the computer making notes or writing notes while I’m on the phone. I only have 2 hands, but I know that you need attention on a very regular basis. MUZE – I’m glad to hear that you understand I need regular attention. So, when are you going to write another novel? I like that because you stay in one place for hours at a time and I can curl up beside you and especially on a cold day. NIKKI – I need to find time to finish Book Promo 201 and a couple of short stories. The promotional services business is starting to do pretty well and coordinating tours is taking a lot of my time. But, you enjoy sleeping next to me while I spend hours searching for blogs for tours. MUZE – That’s true. Anything you’re working on that keeps you on the computer works out pretty good for me. It’s nice that Shadow prefers to sleep in boxes – that makes it easier for me to nap next to you. NIKKI – I’m glad you took a break from your nap to talk with me. Is there anything else you would like to tell people? MUZE – I want them to make sure they check out the Muze’s Musings sections in Book Promo and send cards and letters and emails to make sure that I’m in Book Promo 201. My fans will save me. NIKKI – Muze, you’re a mess. You will be in the book and I hope that you will be with me for a long time. MUZE - I’m pretty easy, let me curl up beside you to sleep, scratch my neck when I tug on your arm, feed me, leave the water dripping in the tub so I can get a drink and we don’t need to talk about the litter box. I forgot, you need to promise to protect me from Shadow when he is mean to me. NIKKI – I can do all those things – but you remember that I protect you when Shadow is being mean. If you tease him and he strikes back, the rules change. MUZE – I know – but usually I’m innocent. Seriously, to everyone reading this – Book Promo 101 is packed full of great promotional information, lots of review questions to get you to dig deeper to learn more and of course, my tips are invaluable. I hope you will all take a chance to learn more about the book, I hear the details are on Nikki’s website www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm. I can’t wait to see what great information I can share in Book Promo 201 and 202. I better get started on that before she talks to Shadow. It’s been fun, but I need to get back to work or she might replace me. NIKKI – Come on Muze, how could I possibly replace you. MUZE – Purrrrrrr
This is Muze and his work spot when he's not beside me.
|
|
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 – Page 4 The Songs of Estraguil
In the forests of Estraguil, stories and songs carry the traditions of the kith groups, the histories, beliefs and aspirations built up over hundreds of years. Wordsmiths and wandering bards are so prized that normal enmity is put to one side when encountering such performers. Soon to be released from www.whiskeycreekpress.com ‘The Girl Who Fell’ is not only a mystery romance story, it’s also a book about storytelling and the power of creative arts. As a consequence, there are fragments of songs laced through the novel. Below, are two of those songs in full – neither of which are entirely available in the book. Both have tunes, but I haven’t recorded either of these yet. For other compositions of mine, visit http://www.youtube.com/mistressnimue
The Dark Roads
As I was out to ramble beneath the open skies I beheld a fair young maid with her true love at her side.
She said I’m away on the dark roads, with me you cannot stay For its I’m away to my home land and you’ll not see me again.
Her skin was white than the milk, her eyes so bright did shine Her hair hung down below her waist and her lips were as red as wine.
Well this young man fell to his knees and cried ‘I am enslaved! It is my doom to follow you though your path lie to the grave.’
He said I’ve given all for you, my home and my estate, I left my mother weeping and all for your own sake.
He said the girl who loved me true has pined away in grief For I was captured by your smile but you give me no relief.
He said fair love if you’ll live with me, I’ll give you gifts so fine Of dresses gems and horses, of silk and spice and wine.
He said if you forsake me, I’ll lay me down and weep Then I will drink of the dark hemlock and in death’s cold arms I’ll sleep.
She said I’m away on the dark roads, with me you cannot stay For its I’m away to my home land and you’ll not see me again.
Drinking Song We wandered through the heated day With little on our minds, When creeping shadows stretched to us, Leaving the sun behind, We met up in the fading light At the dying of the day, To sit and watch the setting sun, And drink our cares away.
We talked about the distant past, For we both left loved ones there, Lost in time’s relentless march, You speak of old despair. Then fond memory makes you smile, And keeps the gloom at bay, Laughing low as we recollect, The mirth of yesterday.
The darkness stretches thick and deep, We talk about this life, Bitter world of war and conflict, Tragedy and strife. If we two could rule the world, We might put all to rights, At midnight we know all the answers, We’ll forget them when it’s light.
As the east horizon lightens, We talk about the time to come, Fears of loss and separation, No easier with the rising sun. Still there’s time for one more drink, Before we must away, Parting with a warm embrace, At the dawning of the day.
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 – Page 5 New Covers
|
|||
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 – Page 6 New Releases
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle November 2007 – Page 8 New Reviews
Gatekeeper’s Realm
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/Gatekeeper'sRealmReview.htm http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Gatekeeper_s_Realm_7970.shtml
Adam’s Point
http://www.onceuponaromance.net/Adam'sPointReview.htm http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Legacy_Series_Adam_s_Point.shtml Reviews for Book Promo 101 – Learn the Basics of Book Promotion www.nikkileigh.com/101-reviews.htm Reviewed By the Reader’s Station
Betty Vos’ poetry collection One Bird Sings reviewed at www.druidnetwork.org by Bryn Colvin
Kevan Manwaring’s novel The Long Woman reviewed at www.myspace.com/brynneth_n_colvin
|
|||
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 - Page 7 New Reviews ‘Love’s Winsome Warrior’ Angela Verdenius – review from Kelley Hartsell of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques: “...another winner with her latest installment in the Heart and Soul series. We have double the mystery and adventure...This one is just as hot, sexy, and romantic as previous stories...It takes true talent to pull off a complex and convoluted story like Love’s Winsome Warrior and Angela does it with style.” Reviews from Brenda Edde of Romance Junkies: “...a rollicking good story. Ms. Verdenius has woven a very entertaining tale of hidden agendas, sneaky stalkers along with a fast paced tango of attraction...” Romance Junkies review of Adam’s Point “Guests are disappearing, unwelcome ghosts are making their presence known and the resident ghosts are nowhere to be found. Welcome to ADAM’S POINT, the final book in Elena Dorothy Bowman’s LEGACY series. It is sure to hold you spellbound as you experience the wonder of an ancient prophecy and its effect on everyone who visits the area.” Check out Bryn Colvin’s reviews at www.druidnetwork.org/en/reviews Nikki Leigh has a new review blog - http://nikkisreviews.blogspot.com/
|
|||
|
The Readers’ Station Quarterly Where Readers and Authors Mingle May 2008 – Page 8
Chats & Events Wings ePress has an Authors Days which runs for 24 hrs. Authors from Wings ePress will be coming on and off as time zones allow to share some of their excerpts and books with us. The days are from 6pm ES Fri 2nd May through to 6pm EST Sat 3rd May 2008 at Wings Readers. To join, go here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wingsreaders/ Book yourself in to be featured author for a week on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brynsbookgroup email bryn.colvin@blueyonder.co.uk for further information. Other News Anyone is looking for new genres or authors to read, then visit Reader and Author www.readerandauthor.com and check out the website and genre links currently available.
Ginger Simpson invites you to visit her blog at
This website is a work in progress and is updated regularly. Next update will the Tuesday 6th May. If a reader knows of an author they like but he/she isn't on the website, drop me a line at angelamv@westnet.com.au and I will add the author link. If you're an author and would like your link to be up on the website, check out the genres then drop me an email with your genre, author name and website link. If you'd like to know what some of the fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romance writers are thinking, then check out our blog Star-Crossed Romance! http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/ Angela Verdenius has a monthly newsletter that gets sent out to anyone who signs up. It has the latest of her news, a bit about what she’s working on, a peek at other authors' books and links, a bit of chit-chat, an excerpt from a guest book - a bit of everything really LOL. To join, go here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/angelaverdenius/ Virtual Book Tours with Nikki Leigh
Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the
blog tour spots
will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD –
Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter
will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments
with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions.
You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.
For more
information about
Dyan Garris and
her virtual tour, you can check the full schedule at
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-schedule.html
and here are more details
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/dyan-garris-may-blog-tour.html.
Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her
“toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you
need to have a full and happy life –
http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to
achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s
Amazon profile for links to many of her products -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/.
June Virtual Book Tours
Miranda Patzer will tour and discuss her brand new book Bloodstone Castle
- a medieval, romantic adventure.
Xujun Eberlein will tour and discuss her book of short stories which are
set during and after the Chinese Cultural Revolution. The book is titled
Apologies Forthcoming.
I'm always on the lookout for people who would like to be blog hosts for virtual book tours. This is very easy and it gives you a chance to interview a wide variety of authors. Feel free to contact me for details - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com
New Readers' Station Social Network
The Readers' Station has a new social networking site and every one is invited to visit and feel free to set up a room for yourself. We're just getting it set up - but we look forward to having many people join us in our new location. You can create a profile page, share book covers, share book trailers, start a discussion and much more. You can even set up a blog to keep us up to date about what you're doing. The address is http://readersstation.ning.com Recent Interviews Nikki Leigh Interview with Raine Delight – http://rainedelight.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/in-the-spotlight-nikki-leigh/ Nikki Leigh Interview with Donna Sundblad about Virtual Blog Tours - http://business.lovetoknow.com/wiki/How_to_Promote_Your_Book_Online Nikki Leigh Interview with Rose Marie Wolfe – http://rosemariewolf.blogspot.com/2008/04/guest-blogger-nikki-leigh.html Nikki Leigh radio interview with Dorice Nelson - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh Advertising Banners for Nikki Leigh's Book Promo 101 and two recent book tour clients -
|
