Final Tally for July 2018 #JoWrIMoGo

I managed 20 chapters, 84 pages & 49,269 words in July!

Now that's a win!

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Making friends doesn't come easily to Harriet. When you're so sure everyone wants to know your secrets you sometimes push a way the ones who actually care. 😔😔😔 👭 Order here: www.books2read.com/DUKN 📚📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #reading #yalit
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Introvert Writer - The Creative Process

INTROVERT WRITER

I know that not every writer is an introvert, though it is more common than extrovert, but for me I definitely fall into that category. I have moments where I can be more outspoken, but generally that will be with people I either know, or trust enough to be myself. It's something I've struggled with throughout my life, and also through my writing career. When it comes to connecting with other writers, I find it hard to make that first leap of saying hi, I also find it hard to keep up the friendship and that can bite me in the arse from time to time.

However, I am learning. I am getting to the point where I've realised (and it took me long enough!) that I need to interact with people otherwise I'm just this quiet one in the corner who doesn't really do or say anything which doesn't help me build my platform or make friends easily. That said, I know that a lot of writers struggle with this. We're used to be the weird ones on our own with stories and worlds in our head, that even around other writers we hold back. And it doesn't help us at all. It leads to you feeling isolated and without a support system with other writers. So how do we change that? Glad you asked.

#1 - START SMALL
Rome wasn't built in a day and it's not easy at all to set yourself up to fail by starting at the impossible. You have to start small. Whether that's leaving a few comments on a post for just one person, or saying hi and starting a conversation with someone you follow. Whatever that first step is, make it small enough that it doesn't feel insurmountable. If you aim too high, you're just going to be kicking yourself later. I say go for people you follow, but people who also follow you is a good step, but generally speaking they *want* to hold a conversation. They want that interaction and it makes things slightly easier for you.

#2 - IF IT HELPS, SCHEDULE IT
Now I'm someone who is supremely organised. It's one of the ways I keep on top of this, and how I manage to keep my anxiety at bay. I've been trying to make those small steps and one thing that's helped me has been to schedule time to talk to other writers, respond to tweets and scroll through Instagram and all of that. It can simply be that every hour you respond to a certain number of posts, messages, whatever works for you. And if that helps you, it can be an amazing tool. It means that I'm not going back and forth and worrying about it interfering with my writing time because it's time set aside specifically for just chatting to people.

#3 - BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR LIMITS
Now I'm a spoonie (link to that here) and I have limits on my time. I can't spend all day sat at my desk and generally speaking once I go up to bed, my time on social media dwindles down because I am usually done for the day. But I'm upfront about that, people generally know that I squeeze as much as I can into the time I'm able to be sat up before heading to bed. If you're building a new friendship with someone and you know that say, time zone differences, are gonna have an impact, or if like me you're unable to commit to much, then be honest about it. Generally people are happy to work with you rather than push you into something you're not comfortable with. Same goes for things like preferring Twitter to Instagram, or text to voice. Just be sure that you tell people what your limits are and it works out for the best.

#4 - HAVE FUN
I know this may seem like a flippant one, but it's really not. You don't have to be talking about writing the whole time, you can also talk about other shared interests. And the people you're connecting with should be people you want to talk to. It's hard sometimes when pushed outside of your comfort zone, but you have to remember that it's okay to have fun and enjoy the time you use. It might take a while for that to seem natural, and that's okay, it's all about finding what works for you and utilizing it best for your needs and circumstances.

So those are my four tips on how you can step outside of your comfort zone as an introvert writer. Making friends and connections is sometimes hard to do, but taking those first steps can lead you to a friendship that you treasure. I know that when I met B, all those many years ago (we met in secondary school, so about twenty-three years ago) it took something simple to break the ice. Basically my front door key didn't work and my mum was still at work so I went to her house. And yet I'm closer to her than I am anyone. Your mileage may, of course, vary.

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books.

From Joey's Instagram

It's hard to write when a #MissViolet is holding your keyboard hostage. 🙀🙀🙀 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #catsofinstagram #kitty #snuggles
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Review of No Vain Loss by MC Frank

A soldier is summoned to the North Pole, days before the year changes, told to fix the great Clock for a celebration. He has no idea what to do.
A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive.
A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack.
The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty.
This is the One World.
The year is 2524.

Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic young adult novel in three parts is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.

Written in three parts, this is the breathtaking story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time.
In No Vain Loss, the world is on the brink of the greatest war humanity has ever known. Lives will be lost. New truths will be revealed.
Amazon

My Review: 5 stars
And the final book in the trilogy, wow, just amazing! Loved the storytelling, loved the way that even as a short book, the words all counted. There was nothing that seemed wasted or taken away from the story. It is a brilliant trilogy and an amazing ending. You're there on the edge of your seat, hoping and wishing that Astra and Felix will have their happy ever after and so many plot twists that make you start to really root for them. I loved this series from start to finish and I loved this book. Overall, I'd give it more than 5 stars is I could! Highly recommended!

You can follow MC Frank on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, her website, and The Book Robin Hoods.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

#Repost @mcfrank_author (@get_repost) ・・・ I N T E R N A T I O N A L G I V E A W A Y + COVER REVEAL DAY! 💙📖🌊 . Have you seen the cover reveal for Salt for Air? It's here: https://bit.ly/2Abi3i5 or click the link in my bio📚 I can't believe the pub date is set and that my book baby is officially up for preorder! I have been working on it for YEARS and had to face many hardships, but it's so close to being in your hands.. I am excited and grateful. . To celebrate, I am hosting a giveaway for over 10 books and 2 bookish candles☕🌹 (see them in previous posts) . TO ENTER: ●Must be following @mcfrank_author ●Tag 3 bookish friends below ●Repost this image with CREDIT and FULL CAPTION for at least 5 hours. Stories do not count. Please do not steal or repost without credit ●You will receive a super secret message with instructions 🌊 Good luck! . . #books #book #read #reader #instagood #writer #bestoftheday #bookworm #photooftheday #writer #literature #bookish #bookishfeatures #bibliophile #bookstagram #booklover #booknerd #bookphotography #instabook #bookstagramfeature #booknerdigans #bookaddict #yalovin #ireadya #saltforair #bookgiveaway #coverreveal
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From Joey's Instagram

This week I'm talking about tip and tricks in regards to reviews! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Find it here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline 📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #vlogger #smallyoutuber #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm
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Tips & Tricks: Reviews [CC]

All the tips & tricks when it comes to reviews!

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara isn't the friendliest girl. But yet she and Kaolin have clicked from the moment they met. 👭👭 Find out why here: www.books2read.com/DTFT 📚📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #dyingthoughts #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #yalit #reading
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From Joey's Instagram

Want to know about an awesome site that has helped me so much?? Check out #TheBookRobinHoods! 📘📘📘 Are you an #author? ✒✒✒ Apply here: http://bit.ly/2JgdGCW Are you a #reader? 📚📚📚 Apply here: http://bit.ly/2IpHN9Q Want to see the site? http://bit.ly/2q2xm4u 📱📱📱 Any questions ask @mcfrank_author And she'll be glad to help! 👍🔆🔆👍 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #reading #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #bookstagram #lovereading #TBRH #bloggers
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Revisiting Neil: Is My Gremlin Locked? - The Creative Process

REVISITING NEIL: IS MY GREMLIN LOCKED?

A while ago, I talked about my writing gremlin. I named him Neil and talked about the steps I'd taken to quiet his voice. You can find those pieces here and here. However, it been a few years and things have changed and so I thought I would talk about how Neil still has an effect on me, even after all this time as a writer. In all honesty, I don't think there will come a time when I *don't* feel Neil's presence. I have more experience than I did a year ago or more, but I do have an anxiety disorder and I know I have problems with self-esteem and all of that.

So how do I move forward? How do I make it work for me, knowing that I am probably always going to hear those whispers of both imposter syndrome and also not feeling like I am enough writing wise? Some of it is trial and error, some of it comes from being able to implement the tools my therapist has given me and some of it is also gaining confidence in my own ability and work. All of that together can lead to being able to quiet that voice to a hushed whisper and ignore it on days when it hits me hard. So how do I manage that? I'm going to give you some of my tips, while also asking you to bear in mind a few things. I am not a trained psychologist or doctor. I am also only able to give you tips that work for me. They might not for you and that's okay. You just need to find the tools that will.

#1 - A SUPPORT NETWORK
The one big thing you need as an author, a writer, well anyone really, but in this instance writing, is a support network. Whether that's people online or in your life, you need people that you can go to with your worries and know that they will hear you out and help you deal with things. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to B or Kim, who are both in contact with me daily, and had a worry shared and them talk it through with me. I know that I am very lucky to have that and it's not always easy for people to find their people as it were, but these can come in the shape of critique partners or betas, fellow authors and readers. It doesn't have to be all offline people, you make the friends where you do and family can, sometimes, also be a good support network.

#2- KEEP IT REAL
While there is a lot to be said in presenting a confident front, and I agree with that to a point, people, as in readers and others, will want to know that the person they see is the same person writing the book. What I mean by this is, it's okay to have moments where you struggle. While it's probably not best to rant about it on your twitter or blog talking about how you suck and should never write all the time, it's okay to have blips. Everyone has them and that just makes you human. To continue on this note, it's okay to not need to do that. I personally don't take the down moments and put them on my social media. Simply because I have a great support network and it doesn't need to happen. However, I completely get that for some people their support network is on those sites, so I'm not going to pretend that you shouldn't allow yourself that support however it comes.

#3 - REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT ALONE
I know this plays somewhat into the support network and all of that, but a big thing for me is remembering that I'm not the only person, creative or otherwise, to feel this way. Confidence is something some people have and others don't. I wish it was as simple as just writing something and being amazed by it, but then again I look back and realise just how far I've come, which I'll cover in another point. Remembering that you're not alone helps me, it reminds me that everyone struggles and that it's okay to do so. Sometimes you need to reach out for help, and that's okay.

#4 - LOOK HOW FAR YOU'VE COME
This is a big one for me as well. I look back at the first draft of a book and then remember as I went through each stage of revisions. With every new draft, that book has transformed from the idea to the finished product. And it's okay to remember that while I loved Blackout when it was done, I have grown as a writer, I will continue to grow as a writer. I keep writing and I'm always going to keep growing and that's so important for someone to realise. Where you start with a first draft is often miles apart from where you finish. It's a great boost to be able to look at the end product and remember that the project you're working on now will one day get to that stage and will be so much better for it.

#5 - ASKING FOR HELP IS OKAY
It's okay to need more than just friends and tips from a blog. It's okay to need medication and therapy. There is nothing wrong with any of those, and if you need help, it's okay to ask for it. Like I said, I've got medication, I've got a therapist, and if you need that, then you need it. I can't advocate enough for getting the help you need to be the best person you can be. There's no shame in it, at least in my eyes.

So those are my five tips on dealing with gremlins. I wish it were as simple as locking them in a cage and throwing away the key, but mental health and the things that go along with that sometimes need more. They also don't generally just go away. It's a lifelong thing and everybody has some level of anxiety. It's when it becomes something you can't move past that you need to realise that getting help for it doesn't make you a bad person.

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books.

From Joey's Instagram

I have a bonus vlog for you guys! The story ideas tag which was created by @authorbethanyatazadeh And @_brookepassmore. I tag Erin Kinsella, @bellarosepope And @according2jewls! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline 🤯🤯🤯📚📚📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #vlogger #smallyoutuber
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Sunday Bonus: Author Tag: Story Ideas Tag [CC]

STORY IDEAS TAG: BETHANY ATAZEDEH & BROOKE PASSMORE

Story Ideas Tag Questions:
1. CURRENT STORY: What is your current story idea that you’re working on right now?
2. SPARK OF INSPIRATION: Do your ideas begin with characters, plot, world building, or something else entirely?
3. BRAINSTORM: How do you puzzle piece your story elements together? Do you start with the ending and make your way to the beginning or vice versa?
4. KEEP OR TOSS: How do you know when you want to keep or dump a story idea?
5. ORIGINAL IDEA: How much of your original idea for your story is actually used once everything is finished?
6. HIDE OR SHARE: Do you share your book ideas with friends or keep them a secret?
7. DREAM: Have any of your book ideas originated with a dream/nightmare?
8. DOPPLEGANGER: Have you ever had an idea for a story but then see a similar premise in a book/tv-show/movie?
9. BIG SCREEN INSPIRATION - Have any of your favorite movies/tv shows sparked ideas for scenes in your book?
10. NOSTALGIA: What’s the oldest/first story idea you remember coming up with/writing down?

I was tagged by MANDI LYNN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b48OVKA2xeA

BETHANY'S VIDEO: https://t.co/peVSfounIo

BROOKE'S VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nkFfH8sl3Zs

I tag: PAGES & PENS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqNmzoKmhfQk74S3cU1BFQ

BELLA ROSE POPE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeDa4DQjW_bUVj-IuVWokkw
&
ERIN KINSELLA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9oK9D2DpNqcdHfQrh9y9w

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

And this time last week I was getting ready for my third signing at #BLISS18! Now I have 11 weeks until #Darker18! Getting on with writing today because the struggle is real! ✒📚📚✒ #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning
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Guest Blog - Toni Bolton

Hi Guys, thank you to Joey Paul for letting me make this post. I am Dawn Bolton. I live in Knowle in a restored pub near the canal with my husband and two mischievous Birman cats who rule the house.

I love swimming, skiing and yoga/bodybalance. I love plants and particularly succulents. 

I base many of my novels on cases and facts I read about during teaching law in HE. One of my novels Escape from fear was based on the stalking and murder of our secretary in the university where I worked. 

I would like to introduce you to my romantic suspense/crime series Men of valour, women of steel under the name of Toni Bolton. If you like stories about ex-military men who solve crimes and have to work hard to earn the love of their feisty independent ladies, this series is for you. These are intense, dark romances with adventures and spice.

I also write historical romances under the name of Alexie Bolton. My inspiration was my history degree. Georgette Heyer inspired me to write the series Dreda’s men. Her Duke of Avon in ‘These old shades,’ is similar to my cynical detached Officer Francis Dreda in ‘The Spymaster’s redeemer’ who ruthlessly enforces the law in his civil war-torn state by the threat of imprisonment and the noose. He is blind-sided by a beautiful and defiant rebel’s daughter who he tries to save from the noose when he believes she has aided the rebels. The series is about the militia men who operate in a State security bureau after the Napoleonic war. Their ladies, are no ‘milk and water misses.’ They can shoot and fence and are a match for these ruthless ex-army men.

If you would like to contact me and receive my newsletter, please contact me on kixley@btinternet.com.

My Facebook page is Dawn Bolton’s author page at dawnpbolton@facebook.

Alexie Bolton’s books

The Spymaster’s redeemer

Love and the Law a romantic western in the anthology Streetlamps and starlight, edited by Tiffany Carby and Kathia Iblis, available now on Amazon and raising money for the American Cat Protection Society/

The Militia man’s lady

Toni Bolton’s books, series, Men of valour, women of steel.

Escape from fear, book one

Whisper softly or you’re dead, book two.

Saving baby Grace, to be released 7^th of July as a stand-alone novel but originally in the anthology Hey you, I think I love you edited by Cree Nations and Liberty Parker

You can follow Toni on Facebook.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And this week I'm talking about the release of my 13th book: #WalkAMile! You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline 📚📚📚 😱😱 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #smallyoutuber
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Book Release: Walk A Mile [CC]

Talking about my release of the book: Walk A Mile

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
PAPERBACK UK: https://amzn.to/2KSeDBX
PAPERBACK US: https://amzn.to/2zbt5Dl
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY This week I thought I'd share a teaser from Lynne & Hope. Two sisters with a lot of space between then relationship wise. Can Hope cross that boundary when Lynne needs her? ♿♿♿☠☠☠ Buy here: www.books2read.com/LANH 📚📚📚 What's a diverse book you like? ✒✒✒ #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #lynne&hope #bookworm #bookboost #yalit #reading #amreading #readersofinstagram #booklover
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From Joey's Instagram

All set up for #BLUSS18! Doors open at ten! Will I see you there?? It's gonna be amazing! 📚✒📚🔆🔆 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning
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From Joey's Instagram

All checked in and ready for #BLISS18! Looking forward to seeing new readers, old readers and everything in between. Having some fish and chips for dinner...yum! 😁😁🔆🔆📚📚✒✒ #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning
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Review of No Plain Rebel by MC Frank

A soldier is summoned to the North Pole, days before the year changes, told to fix the great Clock for a celebration. He has no idea what to do.
A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive.
A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack.
The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty.
This is the One World.
The year is 2524.

Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic young adult novel in three parts is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.

Written in three parts, this is the breathtaking story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time.

In No Plain Rebel, Felix finds out the truth.
Pretty soon, everything he thought he knew is crumbling around him. He’s about to lose it all. Even her.
But he must concentrate on what’s important; he must fight. It’s time. The Stadium is looming in the distance.
It’s ten heartbeats to midnight. 

Amazon 

My Review:5 stars
I read the first book in one sitting and had to have the second to read too! I don't know if I could've coped if they'd not all been available! This book is just as amazing as the first. Another quick read, but you're starting to see more of Felix, his past, his history and Astra's as well. You're starting to see how the story comes together using beautiful prose and perfect scenes. I loved this book and quickly went on to the last. The final line is what sold it for me: 10 heartbeats until midnight. It had me on the edge of my seat and while only really a short story there was, at no point, the feeling that the words had been wasted, or that you needed more than you were given! An amazing book and I highly recommend it!

You can follow MC Frank on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, her website, and The Book Robin Hoods.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

Life Of Joey & Bi-Monthly Goals - July 2018 [CC]

Talking about my life over the past month and setting goals for July & August!

 BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
PAPERBACK UK: https://amzn.to/2KSeDBX
PAPERBACK US: https://amzn.to/2zbt5Dl
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
TICKERS FOR #BLISS2018: http://bit.ly/2yGorwr
TICKETS FOR #DARKERSIDEOFFICTION2018: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

And the vlog is up. I'm talking about my life over the past month and also setting bi-monthly goals for the first time! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline 📱 What's on your goal list today? 👍 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #smallyoutuber #goals
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY All Hetti wants to do is help. Catch a killer, solve the case and help who she can. 👮‍♀️📱 Order here: www.books2read.com/WAM 📚 #WalkAMile #bookrelease #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #WAM #yalit #reading #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #reading
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From Joey's Instagram

It's that Monday feeling! Too hot but I have work to do. #MissViolet is keeping me company since I have the fan. Gonna be fun trying to type! But onwards with a chapter! 🔆 What are you doing this sunny Monday? ✒ #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #catsofinstagram #kitty #snuggles #toohot
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Reviews & You - The After Process

REVIEWS & YOU

Now this is a topic widely talked about in the writing and reading community. One big thing writers and authors are looking for is reviews. They help sell books, they also help authors give themselves a boost on knowing they are doing it right. For the readers, it's a way to showcase which books they liked and which ones they didn't. The two ideas don't always meet in the middle, but it's all about realising one important thing... well maybe more than one. So I'm going to go over what those things are!

#1 - NOT EVERYONE IS A 5 STAR
Breaking it down simply, not everyone is going to love or love your book. That's just how it goes. No one in the history of writing has ever written a book that every single person who's read it felt it was mind blowingly awesome. It's just how it works. Think about it, everyone's experience is going to be different, and because of that, their feelings about your book is going to widely vary. On top of that, not everyone grades on the same scale. I personally use more 5 and 4 stars than anything else. But I know of other readers who feel a five is one they use rarely and that 3/4 star ratings apply to the majority of books. It's something to remember.

#2 - REVIEWS ARE FOR READERS
I know it seems like the reviews are there and reflect on you, and they do in a way, but the reasoning behind reviews is to attract readers. Sometimes even what you see as a "bad" review, can actually draw a different kind of reader to your books. I know it's hard to step back and realise that these aren't for you, but it's a good thing to remember especially when you check out Goodreads or Amazon and see the lower average. It stings, but it's not all bad.

#3 - NO CONTACT
This was something I was told way, way back in my writing career. Don't comment on bad reviews. You can thank them, but don't get bitchy with them and don't get into the why and how they didn't like your book. This is a huge thing. You do not and never should be posting bad reviews and insulting them. That's just bad practice, and yes it happens and yes it's beyond wrong. There's nothing wrong with thanking them for their review, but don't flame the reviewer. That's just beyond shitty!

So those are three big things you should be releasing when it comes to reading reviews. I know that it can be hard to read a bad review and my advice on that point is to make the decision whether or not you're able to do so. I know of some authors who don't read their reviews, and that's more than fine. Remembering that people review differently and remembering that it's based on their experience with the book, it's always going to fluctuate. And readers know this, so when a book has only five stars, it looks a little off.

Reviews are a part of being a published author. You have to take the good with the bad, and there will be bad, that I can almost guarantee. But that doesn't mean you are a "bad" writer, nor does it mean your book sucks and should never have been published. It just means there was a reader who wasn't in your target audience. That's all it means. And you have to move past that and realise that there are loads of other people who are.

So keep writing and remember that reviews are part of the craft. The blows get easier and it's always good to have those really nice, glowing reviews. Your mileage may, of course, vary.

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books.

From Joey's Instagram

And another Sunday bonus video all about writing! ✒✒✒ Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #authortuber #writingvlog #vlogger #smallyoutuber
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A writer writes...

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From Joey's Instagram

And still gotta get a chapter done even with #BLISS18 so close. All done for the day! Back to it tomorrow! ✒✒✒ 📚 What's your goal today? 📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksinprogress #Translucent #booksigning
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From Joey's Instagram

The joys of being an author. Been getting all my VIP SWAG packs ready for #BLISS18 in a week or so. Lots of goodies in these packs and now all done and ready!! 📚🔆🔆🔆📚 #authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning
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Interview with Toni Bolton & Review of Escape From Fear

I am delighted to be joined by the lovely Toni Bolton on the blog today for both an interview and my review of her book - Escape From Fear. Here's a little about Toni.

I was in higher education until I left to run tutoring business and a guest house. I now also publish my own books and am restoring a very old house.

And onto the interview!

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing for about 2 years and publishing about 18 months.

Do you write in the genre you love to read?
Yes, I write romantic suspense/novels and historical romances predominantly and this is what I read most of the time, but I also read some paranormal and I am going to publish books for children and illustrated them. I have also written horror and ghost stories for a Halloween anthology and I am in the middle of writing a paranormal book.

Do you have any favourite authors to read?
I enjoy reading books written by Susan Stoker and Kathryn Leveque.  I like passionate feisty heroines and strong heroes.

Are you an organised writer or not?
I am disciplined rather than organised, writing each day for several hours usually at the gym café bar but also in the afternoons before supper and late at night.  I love to write so it is not a chore. I never have writer’s block. I have a list of sites which I promote my books in on a regular basis and like to interact with my readers through these as well. I am a panster rather than a planner. I do plan which books I am going to write, edit and promote each day and following this plan.

What's your idea of a perfect writing day?
No editing or promoting but just writing and finishing a chapter knowing that my readers will enjoy that part of the novel and want to read more.

Do you like editing or is it something you loathe?
I have an erratic computer, so editing is a chore at times, but I correct and edit each page as I go along so it has become easier and I know now what to look for when I am editing. I prefer to edit other author’s books than go over mine time and time again.

What's your favourite social media? And why?
I like Facebook because I can interact with readers, but I also use Wordpress as well and am creating pages on Instagram and Pinterest as well.

Do you do character profiles? If so, why/why not?
I think of a situation and then the character that will fit it. After that the characters develop on their own in my mind. I rarely use character profiles.

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
I prefer Ebooks as I can take them on holiday and to the gym and they take up little room.

How do you plan a book launch?
I use pre-orders and cover reveals and try to get reviewers to read the books. I also do takeovers when I can.

Do you have a favourite writing food? Drink?
I drink decaffeinated tea with vanilla and am partial to a biscuit. I am not a chocolate lover but when I used to mark exam papers I used to eat orange club biscuits with disastrous results on my hips.

What's your favourite idea of a cozy afternoon?
Sitting by my logburner in the winter reading or watching a good serial accompanied by my cats, Angel and Louie. I enjoy historical serials or series like Ripper Street. In the summer sitting on the gazebo surrounded by herbs and plants and reading Ebooks.

Arson, corruption, vice and abuse.

An old lady is harassed by people wanting to buy her house which holds they secret they want. Kirsten Gateman her niece is determined to find out why. When she visits her in Florida the house has been burnt down and her aunt and her neighbour are in intensive care. She works with Joshua Rutland the neighbour's grandson to find out who the perpetrators are but they want her out of the way, in jail or executed, so they can find the secret the house hides.

Rutland wants Kirsten for himself but she holds secrets from her previous life and wants no man in her life. She needs no man to control her. Can he protect her? Can she learnt to trust a man again? Can she confront her past and overcome her fears?

Amazon 

My Review: 4 stars
I picked this book up because I liked the sound of the blurb. The idea of a secret, of two people meeting by chance and falling in love. The story itself had promise, with the mystery woven between the words and chapters. It wasn't my favourite story simply because I found myself frustrated and upset with Rutland and the way he approached things. However, the author did do a good job of selling the romance angle. Overall a good read.

You can follow Toni on Facebook.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.