Author Liesel K. Hill's Musings on Fantasia...
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Crown of Swords Read-Along, Week 3
Welcome to week 3 of our Crown of Swords Read-Along! This week, we read chapters 9-12. Remember that everything in this section as well as everything that's come before (6 books worth) are fair game for spoilers, so read at your own risk!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Follow Friday: Blogging Resolutions
The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!
How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!
Resolutions: Put together your blogger resolution list for us to see!
I kind of threw up my hands when I first saw the question for this week. I've just done SO many resolutions lists this week already. But then I realized it said "blogger" resolution list, and that's much easier. :D
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2) I plan to consolidate my blogs. For the past year and a half, I've run two book blogs successfully. Not only is there a lot of time involved, but having two URLs can be tricky. Which do you promote more, especially when they have similar subjects? I'm currently putting together a .com website that will be a central hub for all my books. Once it's ready, I'll consolidate my two blogs to one and import it to the site. I'll probably transition to that in the next 2-3 mos.
3) I want to get other specific numbers up; not just followers. Right now I get roughly 3,000 hits per month to my blog. I'd like to triple that. I'd also like to increase the number of comments/interaction I get. I'm thinking 5+ comments per day, and more sharing of my posts via social media. Of course being active on social networks will help drive these numbers, which is the main way I'll tackle this goal.
4) Giveaways! I'm guilty of doing very few giveaways. I think I either did one or two in 2013. *smacks self on forehead* I'm going to aim for a giveaway every other month, even if it's just a few books. Wish me luck!
What are your blogging resolutions for 2014?
7 Tips for an Awesome Email Newsletter
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I realized that I needed to do some research to make sure I was putting out a quality newsletter and that I would in fact be growing my list, rather than the other way around. So, I googled something like "great author newsletters" and started scouring the internet for information.
Here's what I came up with:
- Open layout. Use images, colors, bold headlines, etc. with plenty of white space. No one wants to read a dense block of text. Have clearly designed sections (i.e. Announcements, on the blog, etc.)
- Put a clearly defined call to action, both at the beginning (in subject and/or header) and at the end, just before the close.
- Include social media buttons to encourage sharing and interaction
- Quality Content. Whether it's tips and tricks, announcements, recipes, or anything else you may be sending to your email followers, make sure they're giving them quality content. And what's the secret to that? Remember that this is about THEM, not YOU. Give them something they can use and enjoy. If it's all the party of you in every newsletter, they'll get sick of reading real fast.
- Tone. Make sure the language you use is warm and conversational. Or perhaps punchy and sarcastic. How you write is really all about your style, but 1) make sure it jives with your overall style on all your networks and blog, and 2) if you're critical and negative all the time, your email list will shrink in record time.
- Some research shows that newsletters sent between 6-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m. get more opens and more clicks. Some people even suggest you should differentiate using time zones. That's a little extreme for my modest little newsletter, but it's not necessarily a bad idea. Just something to keep in mind.
- I'm going to throw in my own tip here. This isn't something I came across, at least not directly, but I'd try to put at least a little bit of humor or sentimentality in your newsletter. If people smile for any reason, they'll associate good things with your newsletter and want to open it when it lands in their inbox.
Of course, you must always use common sense when emailing people. Don't spam. Don't blitz them with unending emails screaming, PLEASE BUY MY BOOK in all caps. Just don't do that. (Not only will your list shrink, but you'll probably get reported to people who take spammers very seriously and can make your life very miserable.)
Below, I've pasted screenshots of my first newsletter. It may change over time. I'll experiment and see what works, what gets the most clicks, etc., but here's my first attempt. I'd love to hear what you think of it. Suggestions? Tips? Any problems you see?
Any suggestions? Do you have any secret weapons you use in your newsletter?
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Way of Kings Read-Along, Week 2
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1. Shallan's determination pays off, but Jasnah Kholin seems to change her mind a bit suddenly, and when Shallan isn't expecting her to. She mentions knowing of Shallan's family... Do you think perhaps she knows more than she admits? Or is she really just a bit more soft-hearted than she lets on?
Maybe a little bit of both? Anyone's heart can be appealed to with enough the right kind of persistence, in my opinion. But it would be interesting to learn if there was something we are not yet privy to that pushed Jasnah to change her mind so suddenly.
2. Yalb comes to the bargaining rescue as Shallan tries to buy books... Do you think there's going to be a bigger part in events for him to play?
I hope so! I love Yalb so far. Big fan of his. He goes around claiming to be a simple sailor, but he's definitely got more street smarts than most people. I loved the way he manipulated the book sellers to keep them from ripping Shallan off. So great! :D
3. Part One ends with a ray of hope for Kaladin, as he rediscovers a sense of purpose... What did you think of the scene in the Honour Chasm, and then with Gaz afterward?
Really loved it. Before, when he was just apathetic and kind of depressed, my heart went out to him--I certainly wouldn't want to be part of the Bridge Four crew--but it also makes the narrative feel really depressing and stagnant. Kaladin's sense of purpose infects the entire mood of the story and makes you feel rejuvenated to read it. Plus, Kaladin is one of our main characters. I already really like the guy, so of course we don't want to see him commit suicide. :D
4. We catch up with Szeth for an interlude, and things are very different for him... What do you make of his choice to enslave himself - if it is in fact a choice...?
I'm not sure. I was very surprised to see him so. I think it IS a choice, but one he feels compelled to make in order to save his honor or his soul or something. That suggests that maybe he did something he's trying to atone for. I think it's interesting that this fate--a form of enslavement--has befallen both him and Kaladin, both of whom were so confident and forward-moving in their lives the first time we saw them. It's still unclear how all these narratives will be linked, but I'm interested to learn more.
5. We also meet Dalinar Kholin, Jasnah's father, and get something of a hint that he's important where the Radiants are concerned... What do you think Dalinar's 'fits' might mean?
I think it has something to do with what happened when his brother, Gavilar, died. The fact that Dalinar's brother had a message for him, that Szeth wrote it in blood. Maybe some kind of magic kicked in and now it's affecting Dalinar in the appointed time because he'll be needed, as his vision says, to "unite them." The message for from Gavilar said Dalinar had to find the most important words a man can say. Maybe "unite them" are those words in some way?
Extras:
Loved the chasmfiend scene! Such a cool battle, even if the king was being kind of frustrating. Awesome battle, awesome monster. I loved the image of Dalinar holding up the weight of the monster to save the king, and fighting with his sons. Just really loved that scene.
I also totally loved that there's a "Wit" or fool. I'm sort of a Shakespearean geek, especially about the "Fool" that often plays a role in that type of literature. I'm excited to find out what role this Wit will play. Will he be evil? Will he tell the king "the truth" as is often the station of the Fool. Just totally geeking out about the fact that Sanderson has included this aspect and excited to see where he goes with it. :D
What other bloggers thought:
Monday, January 6, 2014
Teaser Tuesday + Top Ten Tuesday
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week's teasers are from City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. I read books 1-3 last year and am finally getting to the final two. Of course, book 6 is slated for release later this year. Yipee!
What are you reading this week?
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.
Top 10 Goals/Resolutions for 2014(pictures courtesy of goodreads.com unless otherwise linked)
10. Read 50 books. This was my goal for 2013, and I actually did time and a half, ending with exactly 75 books read. (Yea!) I probably should up the number, but I actually think I'll have less time to read this year, so if I keep it at 50, or at least a book a week, I think that's still an attainable goal for me.
5. Sales! I would love to get to a point this year where my writing is paying all my bills, not just supplementing them. My goal, as I put on my resolutions post, is to sell 100,000 books this year. That's an EXTREMELY lofty goal for me, but if I aim for it, and even only reach half that number, it would still be awesome! Since I'm a frugal person who doesn't live or buy extravagantly, it would more than keep me afloat financially.
4. Pampered Chef. In the past few months, I've started selling Pampered Chef to supplement my income. It's easy and really fun. I love to cook, so doing cooking shows is something I actually really enjoy. This is a company that has great incentives, including a paid vacation in 2015 if you sell enough in 2014. My only goal for this company is to qualify for that trip. It's an extremely luxurious Disneyland package, and I hope to take my sisters and 3-year-old niece. It'll be so fun!
2. I also have some personal relationship goals that I won't go into too much. They're basically just trying to keep in better contact with my teenage brothers and talk to them more, call my grandparents more often, things like that.
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
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"You're just worried they'll hire a male instructor and he'll be hotter than you."
Jace's eyebrows went up. "Hotter than me?"
"It could happen," Clary said. "You know, theoretically."
"Theoretically the planet could suddenly crack in half, leaving me one one side and you on the other side, forever and tragically parted, but I'm not worried about that, either. Some things," Jace said, with his customary crooked smile, "are just too unlikely to dwell on." pg. 77
What are you reading this week?
Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.
Top 10 Goals/Resolutions for 2014(pictures courtesy of goodreads.com unless otherwise linked)
Bookish:
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9. Get four books either published or well on their way to being published. I know for sure I'll get the next volume of Street Games out, the next installment of Interchron out, and Citadels of Fire, Book 1 of Kremlins will be out in May, courtesy of Jolly Fish Press. The other one I'm working on, book 1 of Dragon Magic (name of volume 1 still pending) won't be edited for another 2-3 months. After that, I'm going to peddle it to some bigger publishing company. If it gets picked up, it probably won't be out until 2015. If I don't get any bites, I'll self-publish and it will probably be out in the Fall. Even if it doesn't get published this year, though, it'll be well on it's way. :D
8. Up my social networking reach. I did a more detailed resolutions post a few days ago (HERE) and in it I put that I want to reach 1,000 likes on Facebook, 15,000 on Twitter (that's 3X what I have now), 2,000 blog followers, and grow my email list to at least 500. Whew. I've got some work to do!
7. Become more familiar and active on both Google+ and Linked In. I have profiles on both these networks but am rarely active on them. I want to make them work for me and my books. (If you aren't connected with me on any of my networks, feel free to click the links. I'm an awesome follow-backer. Yes, of course that's a word. :D)
6. Branch out my writing income. I'd like to do more speaking engagements and maybe put out some how-to/tips/advice-type products for other writers/authors. I also might look into a youtube channel. That one's a low priority, and I probably won't get to it until the latter half of the year, but still. You never know. :D
Non-Bookish:
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3. Fitness. As someone who struggles with her weight (it couldn't have anything to do with all these hours sitting at my computer, could it) I usually have weight loss resolutions. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes not. This year, I'm going with a fitness goal rather than weight loss. If I can just keep in decent shape while juggling everything else, that will be an accomplishment. :D
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1. Um...I don't have any more, so I'll go with just be more happy and positive in general. :D
What are your Top Ten 2014 Goals?
Book Review: Lord of Chaos
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Plot: This installment picks up where book 5 left off. All of our characters are dealing with the tragedy of Moiraine vs. Lanfear that went down at the end of The Fires of Heaven. Egwene is still training with the Wise Ones, Nynaeve and Elayne make their way to the camp of the rebels, and Rand continues to try to keep his head above water, as concerns the Forsaken, all the politics swirling around him, and his own sanity.
Lots of key things happen in this book. Where Rand has been in the Waste for the past 1 1/2 books, he finally crosses back over to the "wetlands" which mean a lot of extremely annoying politics. The divided tower starts making plays to further their own positions. Nynaeve and Elayne come up with a way to help Rand and the world. And Egwene...well things change pretty drastically for her as well.
Ending: The end is what makes this book! I won't spoil it, but I've got two words for you: EPIC BATTLE. Oh yeah. It's freakin' awesome! Totally loved it and geeked out about it on my read-long post.
Basically, if you like WoT and epic fantasy in general, you'll love it. If not, you probably won't. It's one of my favorite endings of the series, so I was excited to read it again.
Has anyone else read the Wheel of Time series? What's your favorite volume?
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Crown of Swords Read-Along, Week 2
Welcome to week 2 of our Crown of Swords Read-Along. This week we read chapters 3-8. Remember that everything in this section as well as anything that came before is fair game for spoilers, so read at your own risk.
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1. The bleakness has returned in force and Rand’s Aiel are seeping away. Do you think that this will stop once he is visibly back in control in Cairhien or has this episode done permanent damage to his position as Car’a’carn?
A little of both, I think. Shows of power or just of organization, having a situation well in hand, always encourages people. Yet, the Aiel that can lose themselves to the Bleakness to begin with obviously aren't the strongest, most forward-thinking people. I don't know that I'd phrase it as necessarily having done damage to Rand's position, but to the Aiel as a whole, his hold on them, and the part of his fighting force they represent.
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