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VOL 14 - ISSUE 05
MAY 2023
I Have Something to Say
Celebrating 14 years! First Chapter Plus comes from humble beginnings. Founded by Irene Watson as an Indie Books Catalogue for librarians, bookstores, and media and readers in May 2009, it has evolved to a literary e-magazine throughout the years. This transformation didn’t happen without hurdles. First Chapter Plus became my baby in August 2010 when I joined Irene’s network as her editorial assistant. It started as an indie books catalog and remained the same for many years, until about three years ago when began a slow transition to e-magazine. Today the magazine takes flight! I hope you enjoy our new format and thank you all for your support over the years. It was a wonderful ride and I look forward to seeing what this new phase will bring all of us and our beloved authors and audience!
Managing Editor ABOUT ME Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/ Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs,Canela and Karina, Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicollette, She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, Susan Violante 85
IN THIS ISSUE
02 PODCAST OF THE MONTH
03 VIDEO BOOKS
06 BOOK BANS
07 READER VIEWS BOOKS OF THE MONTH
09 FEATURED FIRST CHAPTER PLUS
13 MAKING THE OLD NEW AGAIN
SUBSCRIPTIONS https://www.firstchapterplus.com Email admin@firstchapterplus.com Susan Violante Managing Editor Janice Miller Creative Editor Copyright 2023 First Chapter Plus 100% green. First Chapter Plus e-magazine is environment conscious, Please consider the environment before printing.
17 MEET THE AUTHOR
19 HOW TO MAKE THE MOST - AI
23 BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN
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WOLF WOMEN & Other Poems
Synopsis: The author's debut poetic memoir of 50 poems was written over a 50 year period and divided into different life stages. The collection received a Bronze medal in the Poetry category in the 2022-2023 Reader Views Literary Awards program. Each word portrait draws readers into a powerful connection between the author’s thoughts, feelings, and words . Covers universal topics of NonFiction - Poetry love, loss, and disconnection.
Nonfiction - Poetry/Women Publisher: Outskirts Press (2022) Tradeback - 87 pages
$17.95 ISBN: 9781977248619
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Author: Jo-Ann Vega
MAY BOOK GIVEAWAY
The ideal candidate will have a passion for books and literature, as well as an eye for detail. The primary responsibility of the Book Reviewer is to read and review books, providing critiques based on the content, writing style, grammar, and overall impact. The successful candidate will be able to present their opinions in a concise and articulate manner. If you hand have a passion for books and literature, we would love to hear from you. The position is project based and remote. • 3+ years of experience reviewing books • Familiarity with the publishing industry and trends • High level of literacy and excellent writing skills • Ability to meet tight deadlines WE ARE HIRING Book Reviewers Join Our Team www.readerviews.com/become- a -reviewer/ Complete the Reviewer Application for consideration.
Over copies of books by indie authors! 40
Full terms and conditions at www.readerviews.com/book-giveaway
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Podcast of the Month Since 2007 Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane’s unique and multi-award winning method of storytelling has changed the lives of thousands of budding authors, allowing them to bring their messages to life in nonfiction books with structure, connection to the reader and potential profit. Her book, The Mindful Author, has become a powerful resource
for aspiring authors around the world to craft their manuscripts with clarity and a true sense of purpose and passion.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane About The Mindful Author Transformation through Authorship Using The Mindful Author as a resource Ghostwriting The next books in the Ignite & Write series 85 and the Phoenix
Listen To Podcast
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Book Videos S ometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title. That little something is a book video.
Click on the book covers below and check out some videos!
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Book Videos
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BOOKS & AUTHORS
FICTION - ROMANCE & ADVENTURE
FICTION - SCIFI
Beyond the Sea: Annie's Journey into the Extraordinary ISBN: 9798886546125 Author: Nina Purtee Page Publishing (2023) Tradeback /266 Pages
ZAYIN: Endless War
ISBN: 9781478739838 Author: Josh Goldstein Outskirts Press, Inc. (2021) Tradeback /339 Pages
$21.95
VIEW ON AMAZON $17.95
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Beyond the Sea: Annie's Journey into the Extraordinary follows Annie Harrison's riveting journey through international travel, cultural awakening, and romance to find a new direction. The sea has always been a refuge for her but to find true happiness, Annie must look beyond the sea and conquer her fear.
The Fight for Freedom Begins! On Planet Zayin, a world of gleaming spires and towers, Prince Taal, Princess Liron, and General Tor-ox fight the forces of Prime Minister Mabus-Tel who has overthrown the monarchy. Who will win the war for control of Zayin, the Zagana Rebellion or Mabus-Tel and Amgog? The fight for freedom begins.
FICTION-MYSTERY & DETECTIVE
FICTION - N0NFICTION
A Michael MacKaybees Mystery Author: Gabriel F.W.Koch And Come Days End:
YOUR TITLE
Tradeback /266 Pages ISBN: $14.95 Publisher Author:
ISBN: 9781977202499 Outskirts Press, Inc. (2018)
Tradeback /266 Pages
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NON-FICTION BUSINESS MEMOIR
Implicated in his best friend Lenny's death, Michael McKaybees finds himself entangled in a web woven by someone who wants him destroyed. And then Michael's father, Private Investigator Marlowe Black, shows up—after an absence of more than three decades. It turns out he, too, is a suspect in Lenny's death. And Come Day's End is the 2019 Best Mystery winner of the Hollywood Book Awards contest and EVVY 2019 Merit Mystery/Crime?Detective winner.
our book synopsis. Plot, characters, settings, fiction, nonfiction story nsectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.kkjkknknlknlklnlkjnlknlknlknlknlnlnlklnknlnlnl
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A h YOUR
Potential long term effects on society BY SUSAN VIOLANTE Book Bans
. On the April’s issue I began exploring the recent rend book banning from some States government in the US. Now I agree that some books might not be appropriate for all audiences, who should decide what is appropriate or not? In my opinion, not the government. Below are some reasons why: L imitation of Free Expression: Banning books can be seen as a form of censorship that limits the freedom of expression, which is a fundamental democratic value enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution. This is the most common reason that the people against book bans cite when protesting the recent bans in the US. But think about it. When certain books are banned, it can create a chilling effect on the expression of diverse ideas, perspectives, and voices. The ripple effect can stifle creativity, critical thinking, and the exchange of information, and may lead to a narrower understanding of the world and its complexities. Impact on Intellectual Freedom: Intellectual freedom, the principle that individuals have the right to access information, ideas, and opinions without censorship or restrictions, is a cornerstone of a democratic society. Book bans can infringe upon this principle and limit access to diverse perspectives, including those that challenge mainstream or dominant beliefs. This can hinder the development of critical thinking skills, inhibit open-mindedness, and discourage the exploration of new ideas and perspectives. In a world that gets smaller and the distance between different cultures decreases a kind, open, and understanding mind is the only thing that can prevent violence, hate and intolerance within a diverse community. Loss of Educational Opportunities: Books are important educational tools that provide students with opportunities to learn about a wide range of subjects, cultures, and experiences. Banning books can result in the loss of valuable educational resources and opportunities for students to engage with diverse ideas, explore different cultures, and develop empathy and understanding for others. It can limit the ability of educators to create well-rounded, inclusive, and engaging curricula, and may negatively impact students' intellectual and personal growth. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Banning books can also raise legal and ethical concerns. It may infringe upon the First Amendment rights of authors, readers, and other stakeholders. It may also involve subjective judgments about the appropriateness of certain content, which can be controversial and contentious. Banning books based on moral or ideological objections can raise questions about the balance between individual rights and community values and may result in legal challenges and disputes. This would create chaos and confusion to an already stretched judicial system. It's important to note that the long-term effects of book bans can be complex, multifaceted, and can vary depending on the specific circumstances and context in which they occur. However, history has shown that censorship and the restriction of access to information and ideas can have negative impacts on societies, including limiting intellectual freedom, stifling creativity, and critical thinking, promoting ignorance and intolerance, and hindering the development of well-informed and engaged citizens. Furthermore history has shown that the consequences contribute to the demise of the democratic system and promotes totalitarianism. 6 www. firstchapterplus com
BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Star Catcher Author L.F. Falconer, from page one of “ The Star Catcher: The Curse and Seven Blessings, ” grabs the reader by the heart and them into an enchanted world of darkness and wonder full of blood-thirsty monsters, woodland creatures, and magic.
Independently Published (2023) ISBN 979-8386692360
encha nted
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85 The serpent, mouse, and red dragon share their knowledge with Takara warning her that a mortal being who passes into the Enchanted Realm risks grave danger to their mortality. Takara, equipped with the lessons of the seven blessings, challenges what would happen if she crossed back into the human world, and hopes she will not succumb to a deadly curse. Nightmarish folklore comes to life when the thin line of a barrier between two worlds is crossed. The Ningen realm of humans becomes entangled with the supernatural when a cursed woman attacks a family, yet saves an infant. Fairies, goblins, dragons, and elementals become the norm for the orphaned child as she is raised amongst mythical creatures that love and protect her from the evil which caused her family’s death. As Takara learns about the lands that lie beyond the protection of the enchanted garden she wonders how life would be amongst other humans and the possibility of chaos Yokkai could inflict upon humanity.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH
Marky the Magnificent Fairy By Cynthia Kern O'Brien A delightful children’s storybook featuring the lovable red-headed female fairy Marky who is outgoing, kind, and a positive influence on forest creatures and other fairies alike. Unlike other fairies, Marky prides herself on her inner beauty, not letting the appearance of others determine their worth. This little fairy is a force to be reckoned with. When Marky is relentlessly taunted and body shamed by bullies that ridicule her physical abilities and appearance, she stands up for herself, and points out and reflects upon the positive strengths she possesses. Even though Marky’s wings are not the normal shape and size of other fairies she outshines them all with her innate ability to find the bright side of situations and includes others in her ability to search for the spark which makes everyone special and unique.
Independently Published (2023) ISBN 979-83866923609
encha nted Reviewed by Leigh Kimberly Zoby for Reader Views April 2023
85 “ Marky the Magnificent Fairy” is a magnificent storybook for preschool to young school-age children. My granddaughters aged 3 and 7, fell in love with Marky the fairy and her bright outlook on life and the world around her. Marky’s lessons in the story are a breath of fresh air that values behavior over possessions. Bringing focus on the importance of inner qualities versus one’s appearance. My grandkids laughed and cheered as Marky spread love and kindness to everyone strong in her beliefs. Cynthia Kern O'Brien are tone of writing ebbs and flows perfectly in time with the scenes unfolding on the pages. Marky's pleasant outlook and generous behavior will keep even the most distracted child entertained throughout the story until the last page. The illustrations are creative and aid out with vivid colors and realistic patterns. The images are so vivid that the story seems to come off the pages in an almost 3D effect. This children’s storybook is fun to read, visually appealing, and has an important moral lesson for children and parents to expand upon. I am sure “Marky the Magnificent Fairy” will become a cherished addition to family, daycare, or teacher’s library.
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FEATURED
FIRST CHAPTER PLUS
Anne Hawkinson Winner of the 2022 Jack Eadon Memorial Award for the best book in Contemporary Drama.
Interviewed by Susan Violante, First Chapter Plus, Managing Editor
85 Then I keep a rough word count in the summary document, and I write scene-by-scene because that works for me. It helps me avoid the angst of word count goals I see other writers wrestle with . I do a word count after every chapter so that I can see where I am related to the overall plot of the story and recommendations of the genre'. I start by building world where my characters can settle and begin their journey. It involves a lot of research and working through plot ideas and scenarios. When I am ready to begin, I create a general plot timeline, a character outline that I can add to as I go along, and a short, chapter-by-chapter summary as writing begins. I was fascinated with the concept of a ghostwriter–a person who writes material for someone else who is the named author. I took the word apart and wondered what it would be like for a ghost to be the writer. Padma is a ghost, helping Jenna finish the story Padma started before she died. Jenna is also a ghostwriter, since she is finishing the story for Padma, the original author. So, the end result was Jenna becomes a ghostwriter being guided by a ghost–who is a ghost writer. You have a few books under your belt. Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process? I mean, are you thinking about new projects as you are writing? How does a prolific authors brain work? Hi Anne, welcome to First Chapter plus and congratulations for winning the 2022-2023 Jack Eadon Memorial award for the Best Book in Contemporary Drama! Why don’t we start by sharing with us a little bit of your background. I consider myself fortunate in that I was raised in a family that valued learning. By the time I entered kindergarten,I knew how to read, print, and write incursive. Bedtime stories were a mainstay, and trips to the local library were as regular as those to the grocery store. I had no way of knowing then, but they were instrumental in my becoming a writer. My first published writing was a short poem, in 1983. It was thrilling to see something I’d written out there for others to read and enjoy, but I never considered myself an author. It felt out of reach, something other people did. Years passed, but I never forgot how much I loved writing. Eventually, I mustered up enough bravery to try again. I have to tell you that I am a big fan of fantasy and the paranormal; As a writer myself I am so jealous of your book idea! 'A ghost writer for a ghost, how on earth were you inspired to write “The Ghost Writer?”
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(Laughs) I do my best to focus on the project in front of me, but there are some characters who are quite strong-willed and eager to have their story told. Some of them even act out scenes in my head or stand impatiently with their arms folded across their chests! When that happens, I start a separate document, write the scene, then go back to my current work. That usually satisfies them until I can get to their story. In my writing world, the characters have quite a say in what happens. If I give them free rein (for the most part) they almost always get it right.)
You chose to publish as an independent publisher. Why and how overwhelming is it to do it yourself?
I found myself spending too many hours researching, creating query letters, and tracking the rejections. Many publishers don’t even respond (“if you don’t hear from us, we’re not interested”), and the time between query and a possible response is sometimes months. It was frustrating, discouraging, and it took too much time away from my writing, which is what I wanted to do. Today’s authors have to take on a significant portion of book marketing and publicity, even if they sign on with a publisher. They require a significant social media presence, an astonishing number of followers , and they look to see what you've already done to market the book yourself. I have a small, amazing team that I work with to bring my stories to life. Self-publishing allows me to decide when the book will be released, and I have the final say on the appearance of the cover and interior pages. I can market the book where and when I think it will reach readers who might be interested in my story.
What lesson can you share with unpublished writers looking up at you?
I f you have a story to tell, there’s someone out there who wants to read it! Prepare yourself to tell it as best you can. Join a writing organization. Learn about the genre’ you’re interested in writing (read a lot). Readers expect certain actions and outcomes in the genre’ they read, so you’ll want to be aware of what they are and avoid the pitfalls. Join a writer’s group where you can get honest feedback on your work while you learn from other writers. Remember that critiques are about the writing, not you. Lastly, put something down on the page. Anything. And go from there.
Any upcoming projects or events you wish to share with your fans?
A new set of characters have been impatiently tugging at my sleeve, so I’m immersed in building them the world of my next historical fiction novel. It will be set in Minnesota, England, and have an added, unexpected element of time travel. No title yet, but it will reveal itself when the time is right. As I did with The Ghost Writer, I plan to post blogs (as the story unfolds) on my website with background information and interesting research bits that may/may not appear in the finished version of the story. Website link: www.annehawkinson.com
85 Thank you again for visiting us. I can hardly wait to see you next book!
You’re welcome! I am so grateful to be the recipient of The Jack Eadon Memorial Award and for the opportunity to share a bit about me and my work.
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2022 LITERARY AWARD FICTION Grand Prize Winners!
Your paragraph text
Marisa Billions
Alex Thornbury
Elizabeth Conte
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2022 LITERARY AWARD NON-FICTION Grand Prize Winners!
Your paragraph text
Gary S. Berger
Michael DiRuggiero
Ron Malhotra
Emily Tsitrian
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THE NEED FOR UPDATED NONFICTION BOOKS MAKING THE OLD NEW AGAIN
BY DAWN COLCLASURE
85 Advances in technology which can affect the topic of a book can absolutely warrant whether or not an update is called for. Other factors on why a nonfiction book should be revised and updated includes new current material on the topic, renewed interest in the book’s topic and the author’s advanced knowledge and expertise benefiting the book’s content. if someone sees a 2010 or 2011 copyright date in 2023, they’ll naturally wonder how valid the information still is.” He added, “All fields advance over time, especially with technology. In the writing field that might mean new project types based on evolution of that technology.” Imagine it: You’re looking for a nonfiction book on a particular topic. When you find that book at long last, and it seems perfect for your needs, you’re dismayed to learn that the book was published almost twenty years ago. Is the information in this book still valid? Will this book provide you with current and updated material? If the book was published over a decade ago, chances are good the answers to those questions is “no.” And that’s one of the reasons why authors of nonfiction books take on the task of revising and updating their nonfiction books – especially if their nonfiction books are popular titles readers rely on for current information on the topic. There are two main reasons to update a book", explains Peter Bowerman, a successful commercial writer and author of the newly updated book, Profitable—by Design2! Tapping the Writer/Designer Partnership Goldmine (Fanove Publishing, 2023). "One, to be able to provide the most up-to-date information on a subject/field that continues to evolve over time; and, two, to be able to display to a prospective reader a far more current copyright date at the front of the book. He added, “Even though much of the ins/outs and dos/don’ts of the commercial writing field (or partnering with designers, in the case of Profitable - by Design2!) haven’t changed all that much,
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And that’s where author Carolyn Howard-Johnson comes in. Her successful How To Do It Frugally series has helped writers everywhere write, edit and promote their books. She’s back on the scene with the new, third edition of one of the books in that series, The Frugal Editor: Do-It-Yourself Editing Secrets (Modern History Press, 2023). This in-depth editing guide is a must for all writers serious polishing their work. As one advance reader points out in the book, "Carolyn Howard- Johnson's The Frugal Editor has been my go-to editing bible for many years. The new Third Edition is the best yet[.]” Updated nonfiction books attract new readers as well as new fans of an author’s work. It’s a win-win for both authors and readers. Carolyn notes how an updated edition of a nonfiction book can be a powerful marketing tool. “If you just update your old edition, rather than publish—officially—a new edition, you may be losing more marketing opportunities than you ever dreamed of.” Peter’s updated book has also received positive response from readers. As he noted, “I have definitely received positive feedback from people about the update it's that I've made. When someone like Ed Gandia writes (in his testimonial for my updated edition of The Well-Fed Writer) about the content of the books, and says, ‘this is the stuff that's working now,’ you know that it was a good move to do the update.” Authors of nonfiction books strive to provide readers with a book that withstands the test of time. However, there will always be some reason or another why a nonfiction book should be revised and updated. As it is, I am currently revising and updating one of my own nonfiction books, a task my co-author and I took upon ourselves after the book’s publisher shut down. Readers of nonfiction expect to find current information in the books they turn to for information. It’s frustrating to find a book needed for information and to discover that the book was published a decade ago – or longer. The newest that copyright date is in a nonfiction book, the more confident the reader can be that the information they are about to receive from the book is the most up-to-date.
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS 2023-2024 Reviewers Choice Awards Exclusively for Indie Authors and Small Presses
Book Review with Entry
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This book is nothing but tips – ideas disguised as tips, really. And we writers just love ideas. Ideas are our lifeblood – the engine beneath our creativity. And the scope of these tips are ...well, formidable." -- Peter Bowerman, The Well-Fed Writer. With over 365 tips (journal writers... that's more than one per day for a whole year) Dawn Colclasure has created a truly unique book that will surely become an essential addition to your creative library. Completely revised and expanded to well over 450 pages of pure, unadulterated, no nonsense knowledge, 365 Tips for Writers is packed with inspiration, marketing tips, and hard core freelancing information.
Brimming with writing prompts, "Beat the Block" tips, essential freelancing forms, as well as character building worksheets, this hefty tome will revolutionize the way you approach the craft of writing. Colclasure has created what may well become the book you'll turn to whenever you need ideas, encouragement, and a sense that you're not alone in this crazy profession called "writing." NOTE: To sweeten the deal, Colclasure has also included a download link for nearly 100 more bonus tips, tricks, and techniques as her gift to you.
Dawn Colclasure is a writer who lives in Oregon.She reviews books for Reader Views. She is also a freelance writer. She is the author of several books. Her work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, websites and anthologies. Her websites are www.dawnbooks.com and Her Twitter: @dawncolclasure.
YOUR TITLE
our book synopsis. Plot, characters, settings, fiction, nonfiction story nsectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.kkjkknknlknlklnlkjnlknlknlknlknlnlnlklnknlnlnl
Nonfiction - Poetry/Women Publisher: Outskirts Press (2022) Tradeback - 87 pages
$00.00 ISBN: 9781977248619
Author: YOUR NAME
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FEATURED BOOK & AUTHOR
Culver City by Brant Vickers
Synopsis
Young Adult story. Immediately captivating, surrealistic, and authentically written, while portraying the craziness of the late sixties and early seventies, The novel interweaves wild teenage adventures, magical realism, and important life situations that test the boys' remarkably close friendship and eventually means the difference between life and death.
Fiction - Young Adult (16+)/ Magic Realism Publisher: Atmosphere Press (2022) Tradeback - 304 pages
$16.99 VIEW ON AMAZON
ISBN: 9781639885473
"Vickers has, undoubtedly, achieved success with his intriguing novel Culver City. It is a mystery, a ghost story, a love story, a story of friendship, and a story of loss all in one compelling book. There is truly something for every reader in this captivating tale." ~Katie Specht - Feathered Quill Book Review
" I recommend Culver City to anyone who loves stories within stories, worlds within worlds. Vickers makes his novel feel something like Stranger Things mixed with acid and Old Hollywood. Decades collide, but the heart of Vickers' novel is timeless.” ~Madeline Barbush - Reviewer
I Brant Vickers started out as a caddy and then delivered flowers before going into the military, living in three foreign countries and seven states. He later found his true profession and vocation teaching students with special needs, some of the most endearing, sweet, loving people on the planet. He is the author of Chucky's in Tucson and Fedor. Brant lives in Arizona with his wife, Cheryl Ann, and their pampered cats. His favorite thing now is writing stories for Young Adults.
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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST
AI
STEPS TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF AI GPT-CHAT ON YOUR WRITING, BOOK STRUCTURING AND, ONLINE RESEARCHING, BOOK MARKETING AND PROMOTING
STEP/01 - RESEARCH:
STEP/01 AI CAN HELP AUTHORS IN RESEARCHING THEIR TOPICS BY QUICKLY AND ACCURATELY SIFTING THROUGH VAST AMOUNTS OF DATA AND IDENTIFYING RELEVANT SOURCES. BY ASKING QUESTIONS TO THE GPT CHAT YOU CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION ON HISTORICAL FACTS, SETTINGS, TRUE CRIME, PAST TIMES CULTURE ETC... BASICALLY ANYTHING NEEDED TO BEGIN DEVELOPING YOUR BOOK.
STEP/02 - WRITING ASSISTANCE:
AI CAN ASSIST AUTHORS IN VARIOUS STAGES OF WRITING, SUCH AS GENERATING IDEAS, OUTLINING, EDITING, AND PROOFREADING. AI-POWERED WRITING TOOLS CAN ANALYZE TEXT AND PROVIDE SUGGESTIONS FOR SENTENCE STRUCTURE, GRAMMAR, AND WORD CHOICE, MAKING THE WRITING PROCESS FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT AND LEAVING TO AUTHORS WITH THE CREATIVE ASPECTS OF THE CRAFT.
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STEP/03 - AUDIENCE ANALYSIS:
AI CAN ANALYZE READERS' BEHAVIOR AND PREFERENCES, PROVIDING INSIGHTS INTO WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT RESONATES WITH THEM. THIS INFORMATION CAN HELP AUTHORS TAILOR THEIR WRITING TO THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE AND IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR MARKETING EFFORTS.
STEP/04- PERSONALIZATION:
STEP/01 AI CAN PERSONALIZE CONTENT FOR INDIVIDUAL READERS, PROVIDING A MORE ENGAGING AND RELEVANT READING EXPERIENCE. BY ANALYZING READERS' BEHAVIOR AND PREFERENCES, AI CAN RECOMMEND CONTENT THAT IS TAILORED TO THEIR INTERESTS, MAKING IT MORE LIKELY THAT THEY WILL ENGAGE WITH THE AUTHOR'S WORK.
STEP/05 - TRANSLATION:
AI-POWERED TRANSLATION TOOLS CAN HELP AUTHORS REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE BY TRANSLATING THEIR WORK INTO MULTIPLE LANGUAGES QUICKLY AND ACCURATELY. THIS FEARURE IS ALSO USEFUL TO PROMOTE YOUR WORK GLOBALLY. OVERALL, AI CAN HELP AUTHORS BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE, EFFICIENT, AND EFFECTIVE IN THEIR WRITING, RESEARCH, AND MARKETING EFFORTS, ULTIMATELY LEADING TO BETTER OUTCOMES FOR THEIR CAREERS. DON'T BELEIVE ME? JUST LOOOK AT THIS ARTICLE AGAIN, AND SEE WHAT GPT-CHAT 3 DID FOR ME! Susan- Need Content
STEP/01
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MEET THE AUTHOR! GETTING TO KNOW JAYDA ADDLETON, AUTHOR OF UNSPOKEN EMOTIONS
Sayda Addleton is an Australian author who started writing at the age of twelve years old and hasn’t stopped. As an aspiring author, her style of writing has been influenced by all that is around her from reading fantasy, romance and poetry to playing Dungeons and Dragons to listening to music and just being present in life. Her writing voice is a bit chaotic but so is her life. When she isn’t balancing work, university and some type of a social life, she is sitting in a pile of blankets with a nice cup of chai latte either reading or watching some Dungeons and Dragons.
85 What do you enjoy most about the creative process? And the least? What I enjoyed the most was the entire creative process, from forming ideas all the way to publishing the book. I will say that I find it quite difficult to ‘sell’ myself in marketing so that part has always been the most difficult. Are all of your poems based on personal experiences? What stages of your life have most influenced your writing? All the poems were written from experiences I had to go through. While the poems themselves have a poetic flare and unique callouts to particular cultural, they are all still quite real and raw. Hi Jayda, welcome to Reader Views! Tell us about your writing journey. Hello, thank you so much for interviewing me, I hope you are doing well. I wrote my first poem back in 2013 when I was roughly 12 years old. struggling to find a purpose in life after many bad experiences, I tried to express my emotions; the only way I could was through poetry/writing. What is Unspoken Emotions about? Unspoken Emotions is a collection of poems detailing what it is like to live through a very unstable first relationship while also battling with anxiety, depression, PTSD and what/who I am. What inspired you to write this book? My inspiration for this book was different from how normal inspirations happen. I needed a place to feel safe and finally felt heard so for me, that was my writing space. How did this collection develop? This developed mainly in the years between 2018-2021. Within this time period, I was struggling to figure out my own emotions because I wasn’t truly allowed to feel what I wanted to feel.
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What are some of the different poetic forms used in Unspoken Emotions ? Do you have a favorite? Are there different forms do you want to explore going forward? There is a mixture of poetic forms that are used, from prose to free verse, yet I don’t fully believe that poetry truly needs a form to work. I’ve studied multiple different types of poetic forms, yet for poems to work for me, writing from the heart is what works well for me. What message are you hoping to convey to readers through your poetry? The message I'm hoping to convey is that you can make it through some traumatic times. But I also want to convey that everyone lives through difficult times so be careful of others. Why do you think poetry and reading are powerful ways to process emotions? Poetry can help process emotions, but allows true feelings and vulnerability to seep through. With some techniques and wordplay, you can convey much more than just a simple sentence or picture. Imagery and movies, for this situation, would make connecting with the emotions a bit more difficult as the reader can't put themselves into the poems if there is an image of – let's say me, who doesn’t look like most people – would bring the viewer out of the immersion. What challenges have you encountered when writing such vulnerable themes, and how have you worked to overcome them? One of the hardest issues I faced was reliving the memories. For me to properly feel the emotions I wanted to evoke, I had to put myself back into the memories and the times where I was, possibly, at a super low in my life. This is both mentally and emotionally tiring.
Do you have a favorite from your collection? Which one is it and why? What is it you love and Stages of Falling out of Love are my top picks for this collection.
85 What do you like to read and which authors have inspired your own work as a poet and a writer? My reading mainly consists of fantasy with sprinkles of other genres, from books like A Brief History of Time to the Shadow Hunter universe to LOTR, and anything by Shakespeare and Ali Hazelwood books. The authors that have inspired me are William Shakespeare, Amanda Lovelace, Cassandra Claire, Holly Black, and so much more. What is one thing you wish you knew when you started out? Just h ow much of a push you will get from people. Life will throw you a lot of curve balls and it up to you on if you hit them out of the way, dodge them or simply get pummeled by the m. What is it you love has my favorite line that I still think about to this day – Do you love your world for its core and all or just the surface? This line I adore because it stills hold true to this day. I tend to wonder if people love the illusion of me or if they actually give a shit about who I truly am at all. Stages of Falling out of Love, has such a deep emotional connection with it. I can feel the anger and minor rage with spit filled with venom as I read this poem over and over again. The one part I love is - Don’t need to taste your brain, Because it will spoil my appetite, I'll rip your heart out and eat it, Just so I can feel some emotions. The accuracy of what I felt and the descriptive words used helps to paint such a beautiful image; it makes me so happy. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book? What surprised me was how long it takes from writing a manuscript to it being released. It takes such a long time with multiple emails and meetings, it surprised me.
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What is one thing you hope readers take away from Unspoken Emotions ? What I hope readers will be able to take away from this book is that life can be one of your greatest enemies but it can also be so much fun and joy. Yes, it may suck right now and you may not feel like tomorrow is a viable option for you but know that every single day will have a mixture of emotions. Every single day will be filled with joy, hurt, sadness, pride, honor, love and so so so much more. For all the shit times, know that you have to find a way to make your life better for yourself and the future you and past you. What kind of feedback on Unspoken Emotions have you received from your readers? The feedback has all been positive. What I find the most fascinating is that this book has made people ask questions and, in a way, helped people understand what might be going on in someone's mind that they know. It makes me so happy knowing that my pain can help others. How can readers connect with you? Readers can connect with me via my website www.jaydaadd.com and which will have my Instagram on there. On the website, there is a blog section where I update everyone weekly on random topics and it's just a fun, safe space to talk. I love interacting with anyone and everyone who has read my book or knows someone who has, so come onto my website to find out more. So, what’s next for you? Are you working on something new? I will forever be writing but when the next book will be released, time will tell. I have it written out, and I have some others planned but all of this will need to be balanced with all of the things life wants to throw at me . What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, as a writer or regarding life in general? There is so much advice you have probably heard and it's all cliché, but does that make it wrong? No. All I will say is keep writing. No matter what, and if you don’t feel like writing, then read a book or experience life. There are so many things in this world that can inspire us and it can come from the most tiny of random things. And as for life advice… no one knows what were doing at all and that’s okay. As long as your safe stumble around in the dark for as long as you need too – for you need to know the darkness to appreciate the sunshine.
Do you have any advice for aspiring or emerging poets?
Don’t let other poets and writers define how you have to express your work. I truly didn’t feel like I was a poet because I didn’t write how stereotypical poets wrote. I just write, however and whatever feels right. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, some will be shit. Yes, you may want to go back and change everything you have ever written because of something, but keep it. If you take anything away from all of this is that you should keep all of your work; no matter how bad it is.
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FEATURED BOOK & AUTHOR
The
by Anne K. Hawkinson Ghost Writer
Synopsis
After the sudden death of Jenna's best friend Padma, Jenna discovers her unfinished story and vows to complete it in her honor. Set in medieval times, Jenna struggles with it until Padma steps in and helps her from beyond the grave. Jenna becomes a ghostwriter, guided by a ghost. When Jenna travels to Scotland’s Dunnottar Castle or research, she meets Sir Thomas deKeith, the handsome clan chief who captures her attention and her heart.
Fiction - Historical Publisher: Bowker Identifier Services (2022) / Tradeback - 561 pages
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ISBN: 9781732017559
" This is a refreshing, gently compelling story rich in adventure and fantasy as well as real-life triumph over grief and loss. It is welcome respite for any reader weary of 21st century strife.” ~Amazon review - M.R. Wilson
"It would appeal to fans of historical romance who like a dash of paranormal thrown in."
~Judge, 10th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards
I consider myself fortunate in that I was raised in a family that valued learning. By the time I entered kindergarten, I knew how to read, print, and write in cursive. Bedtime stories were a mainstay, and trips to the local library were as regular as those to the grocery store. I had no way of knowing then, but they were instrumental in my becoming a writer. I’m all grown up now, writing historical fiction stories that I hope will find their way into the hands of an eager reader, ready to embark on an adventure that I’ve imagined, crafted, and tucked between the covers.
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Before there were graphic novels, there were books in verse, and those were my go-to recommendation for reluctant readers. Books in verse have a lot of white space, so reluctant readers are not faced with a daunting page of text. As with a picture book, every word carries so much weight and must be painstakingly chosen, taking talent and discipline. These sparse words pack a punch, and the books are fast reads. Let’s start with the definition of a book in verse. “Novels in verse are a hybrid genre. A marriage between the brevity of a singular poem; and the narrative arc of a novel.” It reads like a novel but carries the emotional resonance of a collection of poems.” * Although The Illiad could qualify as a novel in verse, this genre began in earnest in more recent history during the 1800s. For example, Lord Byron’s Don Juan, made of 16 cantos, was published in 1823, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh was published in 1856.** But the novel in verse in the children’s, middle grade, and YA categories began much later, starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The first novel in verse that I read was, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse winner of the Newberry Medal 1997), the harrowing story of a young girl who lived in the Dust Bowl during the 1930s. I was blown away by this book (pun intended). Books in Verse: More than Just a Collection of Poems THE BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN
Out of the Dust
Author: Karen Hesse This is the tale of the harrowing life of a young girl living through the Dust Bowl during the 1930s. The story is related through narrative verses expertly crafted by the author, who balances the depths of despair and the heights of hope through sparse but well-chosen words. Yet, amidst the tragedies of her life, she comes to peace with her situation and herself.
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THE BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN Then I fell in love with Sharon Creech’s Love That Dog. Published in 2001, this tells the story of a young boy who finds his voice in poetry with the support and encouragement of an extraordinary teacher. Now books in verse for children and YA are widely published, and in more recent years, I have read a wide variety of books in verse, including Rez Dogs, They Call Me Guero: A Border Kid’s Poems, Brown Girl Dreaming, Ain’t Burned All the Bright, and Long Way Down, to name only a few – all expertly written. I think the variety of formats now found in children's literature makes books more accessible to children of many learning styles and reading abilities. This is a wonderful trend, and with books being removed from classrooms and libraries at an alarming rate, we need to be able to appeal to in many ways to children to get them to seek out and pick up a book to read.
Author: Sharon Creech This story is about an exceptional teacher who sees the extraordinary promise in one of her students. She nurtures and coaxes his writing talent throughout the school year by encouraging him to write poetry. Poem by poem, the life and personality of the student begins to emerge. By the end of the book, the reader and the main character realize that everyone has potential. Brilliantly constructed with a bonus - poems the teacher uses to inspire her students are also included. Love That Dog
Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published byBarefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, community events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. barefootlibrarian.com
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